Fake polling scandal affects Democrats ahead of 2026 elections

Wedgewood Polls, a self-described polling firm, admitted on October 20 that it fabricated data used in political surveys cited by major media outlets and Democratic campaigns, according to reports from wsyr.iheart.com and other iHeartMedia sources.

The admission followed an investigation by FiftyPlusOne, which contacted Wedgewood for comment. Instead of responding privately, the firm posted a public statement on social media acknowledging that its polls were not based on real data and described the project as an "experimental" effort to expose vulnerabilities and lack of oversight in the polling industry.

The fabricated polling numbers had been prominently cited in key Democratic primary races, including candidates in Michigan and Wisconsin. Some candidates, such as Mallory McMorrow, said the misleading polls harmed their campaigns and fundraising efforts, with McMorrow noting that reporters repeatedly urged her to drop out based on the false data.

Major outlets and poll aggregators, including The New York Times and Political Polls, had referenced Wedgewood's surveys but have since removed them from their databases. The New York Times explained it had attempted to verify the firm's methods and identity but ultimately relied on false information provided by Wedgewood.

Wedgewood Polls claimed it did not intend to influence election outcomes but aimed to highlight how fabricated data could enter mainstream political coverage. The scandal has led to increased scrutiny of polling practices and calls for stronger safeguards in survey reporting ahead of the 2026 general election in November.