Hillary Clinton's once-commanding lead over Bernie Sanders has declined in California as the two Democrats are now running nearly neck-and-neck as the state's June 7 primary nears, according to a new
Field poll released Thursday.
The poll shows:
- 45 percent favored Clinton;
- 43 percent for Sanders.
As recently as January, Clinton led Sanders 46 to 35 percent.
Presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump is gaining more acceptance by state Republicans, but still lags behind when pitted against either of the two Democrats.
"While it is a truism that turnout is a key factor in determining who will win any close election, it is especially true in this (Democratic) race," according to a statement by The Field poll.
"The widest differences are generational, with Sanders the overwhelming choice of voters under age 30 and Clinton preferred by a two-to-one margin among Democratic primary voters age 65 or older.
The poll finds significantly greater enthusiasm for Sanders than for Clinton among voters backing each candidate.
"Nearly two in three of those currently backing Sanders (65 percent) say they are enthusiastic in their support of his candidacy. By comparison, less than half (45 percent) of Clinton supporters say this."
The results mirror another poll, which found Clinton clinging to a similar slim margin over Sanders.
A
NBC news/Wall Street Journal/Marist poll found Clinton gets support from 49 percent of likely Democratic primary voters in the state, while Sanders gets 47 percent,
Meanwhile The Field poll showed Trump gaining support among California Republicans.
"Trump appears to be winning over more of the state's Republican voters, he still has a long way to go to become competitive in November among the overall California electorate," the statement by The Field Poll said.
"When Trump is paired against Clinton or Sanders in general election trial heats, The Field poll finds both Democrats preferred by large margins, with Clinton besting Trump by 19 points and Sanders leading by 29 points."
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