A polling firm that released fabricated surveys influencing the Los Angeles mayoral race and a Wisconsin gubernatorial primary has admitted its work was a "social experiment" and has since closed its doors. Median Strategies, the company behind the deceptive polls, stated on its website that its project was designed to "examine how purported polling information could enter and spread through the political information ecosystem without independent verification."
The firm's announcement comes after its polls gained traction on social media and were reported by some local news outlets. Median Strategies asserted it had no affiliation with any candidate, political action committee, or party.
In Los Angeles, a Median Strategies poll had indicated Democratic Mayor Karen Bass leading her rival, City Council member Nithya Raman, by 12 points. The actual primary election results showed Bass winning by 5 points, with Raman securing a place in the general election.
Similarly, in Wisconsin, a Median Strategies survey suggested state Rep. Francesca Hong, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, held a 20-point lead over Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. However, Crowley ultimately defeated Hong by a narrow margin in the primary.
The fabricated surveys by Median Strategies drew criticism and renewed scrutiny of public opinion polling practices. The company told the Los Angeles Times, which first reported the story, that it was declining interviews and not seeking attribution for those involved.