Race for Fresno mayor heats up

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The race for Fresno mayor is now just 90 days away and in our first exclusive Action News poll conducted by Survey USA, 2 current politicians fared very well.

Henry Perea holds the early edge in our first poll in the mayoral race, Perea's 42 percent showing gave him a strong edge over Lee Brand at 23 percent and H Spees polled third at 15 percent, but 20 percent still remain undecided.

Strong name recognition pushed Fresno County Supervisor Perea to the front. "Well, 42 percent is a great number, but I'm not going to rest," he said. "We're gonna go every day for this campaign to get our message out and let people know that we're serious about what we're doing."

Fresno City Council member Lee Brand was second in the poll, he wasn't surprised by the early numbers but felt they'll soon swing his way. "I'm confident, in the end, we'll be on top," Brand said. "And, most likely, this clearly indicates what I clearly suspected all along -- it's going to be a runoff. Nobody's going to win outright in June."

Community activist H Spees expects to be in a November runoff. He was actually surprised by his showing in the Action News poll. "To be at 15 percent and rising, it's exciting," Spees said. "But it means we have a lot of hard work too, and it's probably wise for my opponents to consider conceding right now because the momentum is growing."

All 3 candidates have been busy raising campaign funds. "Between now and June 7, a lot of money will be spent on campaigns," Brand said. "Probably, in my case, at least, a half million dollars plus."

"I start behind because, being a non-incumbent, I don't have a war chest to carry over," Spees said.

Perea enjoyed 63 percent of the support from Hispanic voters. "Certainly humbled, but we always know there's a campaign that has to be run," Perea said. "There's a message that has to be out there so we're going to be very consistent."

The poll consisted of 549 likely voters.