New Polling: Dr. Richard Pan Leads CA-06 Democratic Primary Field
Survey Shows Pan Clear Front-Runner With Room To Grow
Sacramento, CA — A new survey conducted by Hart Research among likely primary voters in California’s 6th Congressional District shows Dr. Richard Pan as the clear front-runner in the Democratic primary.
In the initial trial heat, Dr. Pan leads the field with 31% of the vote. The rest of the major Democratic candidates trail in the low to mid-teens, with Martha Guerrero at 14%, and Lauren Babb Tomlinson and Thien Ho tied at 11%.
After voters were presented with biographical descriptions of the four major Democratic candidates – equal in length and detailing each candidate’s background and experience – Dr. Pan cemented his lead and continued to outperform the field. He was the only candidate for whom a majority of voters described his profile as “very appealing.”
The survey shows that Dr. Pan not only leads the field but also has significant room to grow, receiving a substantial share of previously undecided voters in the informed ballot test.
The Bottom Line: Dr. Richard Pan is the clear front-runner among Democratic candidates in CA-06. With strong name recognition, a compelling record of lowering costs and expanding access to health care, and growing support among undecided voters, he is well-positioned to expand his lead as the campaign continues.
“This poll confirms what we are hearing every day from voters across CA-06,” said Daisy Stein, Campaign Manager for Dr. Richard Pan. “Voters want a proven leader with real results lowering costs for families, expanding access to health care, and a proven record of taking on Donald Trump and RFK Jr. Voters know that’s what Dr. Pan will do in Congress.”
The survey, conducted February 20–22 among 404 likely primary voters, focused on registered Democrats and No Party Preference voters who say they would consider voting for a Democratic candidate. The overall margin of error is ±4.9 percentage points.
Dr. Pan is a pediatrician, former State Senator, and UC Davis professor who represented over 60% of the new CA-06 in the Legislature. In the State Senate, he led California’s implementation of the Affordable Care Act, helping reduce the uninsured rate by almost two-thirds, authored landmark vaccine and public health laws to protect children and families, and passed legislation to lower prescription drug and insulin costs for working families.
The campaign has continued to build momentum in recent months, earning endorsements from SEIU California, AFSCME, CSEA, Equality California, along with a number of local elected officials and community leaders.
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Dr. Richard Pan is a pediatrician, educator, small business owner and Former State Senator dedicated to keeping California’s families healthy and safe. In the State Senate, he championed landmark child and school safety laws and lowered the uninsured rate among children by two-thirds – taking on RFK Jr. twice after preventable disease outbreaks. A Harvard-trained pediatrician and UC Davis professor, he has cared for underserved children, trained future doctors and co-founded Healthy Kids Healthy Future, providing health coverage to more than 65,000 kids.
Known for flipping his state legislative seat from Red to Blue, Dr. Pan is a proven fighter who brings people together to get results — expanding access to health care, strengthening schools, and improving public safety. A husband, father, and small business owner, he understands the challenges families face and is running for Congress to make government work for people again, so every child and family in California has the chance to succeed.
