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Wedgewood Polls data fabrication scandal

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2026-10-23 11:23 UTC → 2026-10-23 22:30 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Wedgewood Polls admitted to fabricating nearly all of its published survey data during an election cycle, characterizing the deception as an “experimental project” and a “wake-up call” regarding vulnerabilities in the political polling industry. The firm claimed the goal was to demonstrate how easily unverified figures could be integrated into mainstream political narratives. The fabrication was uncovered by researchers at FiftyPlusOne, who identified discrepancies in raw data from a Mississippi Senate survey. The fallout has been significant, with major news outlets such as The New York Times removing the firm’s surveys from their databases. Specifically, The New York Times has removed 15 surveys released by the firm between June and October. Political figures reported tangible consequences, including Michigan Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow, who stated that a fraudulent poll showing her support in the single digits negatively impacted her donations and volunteer morale. Fabricated data also reportedly influenced the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary results regarding candidate Francesca Hong. In response to the incident, FCC Chair Brendan Carr warned broadcasters about the surge in fake polls designed to interfere with electoral processes and urged improved vetting to avoid amplifying hoaxes. This incident follows a similar scandal in August involving a firm called Median Strategies, which also admitted to fabricating polls.

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