Polls remain steady in Fresno mayoral race despite heavy campaigning

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Our latest exclusive Action News Poll conducted by Survey USA shows the top candidates in the Fresno mayor's race have benefited from their new television ads.

But there's no movement among the top three candidates with three weeks to go until election day as Henry Perea tops the poll.

TV ads have helped the mayoral candidates get their message out.

Fresno County Supervisor Henry Perea saw his Action News poll number increase by two points from 36 percent to 38 percent.

"They want people to stop talking about issues and start talking about what they're going to do and when they're going to do it and I think that's why our campaign has been resonating so much and why we continue to hold the lead," candidate Henry Perea said.

Fresno City Council member Lee Brand also saw a two-point increase but still trails Perea 38 percent to 26 percent in the poll.

He expects to close the gap over the next few weeks

"We didn't really get the full thrust of our campaign started until a few days ago," Brand said. "I'm the only job creator. I've created hundreds of jobs over the last 25 to 30 years.

H Spees saw the biggest gain with a three percent bump though with 16 percent support he remains in a distant third.

"We have 22 days to go and we're very encouraged by that," he said. "We're making up ground so we feel like we have the momentum."

Former mayor Alan Autry has been actively campaigning for H Spees and 12 percent Of those polled were undecided.

"I think where I have the edge is that the large number of undecided indicates that there are still people that are unsatisfied with the status quo," Spees said.

Perea called crime prevention a major issue among voters.

"Our campaign is built to win in June," Perea said. "We're not playing for second place like the other folks are and that's fine."

Brand says voters have warmed to his message of economic development.

"What it does is it really transforms the community from one that's always a generational poverty, high crime, high dropout rate to a message that hey you can have a job and an opportunity," Brand said.