New Poll: Kamala Harris Holds 22 Point Lead in Californa's U.S. Senate Race

A poll released late Wednesday shows Attorney General Kamala Harris far ahead of Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez in California’s U.S. Senate race.

The Public Policy Institute of California survey shows Harris leads Sanchez -- 42 percent to 20 percent -- thanks to strong backing from Democrats and Independents. Harris led Sanchez by only 7 points in in the center’s September poll. 

Harris and Sanchez are competing to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer. All three women are Democrats.

The PPIC survey also shows majorities of likely voters in California favor ballot measures that would legalize recreational marijuana, extend an income tax on high-income earners and increase the state’s tobacco tax.

Voters favor Proposition 64, which would decriminalize recreational pot, by 55 percent to 38 percent. That support is down slightly from the month before.

Support ticked up to nearly 60 percent for Proposition 55. That’s the income tax extension measure that would fund education.

In a small drop from September, 56 percent of likely voters favor increasing the state’s tobacco tax under Proposition 56.

Finally, slightly less than a majority favor Proposition 51, a $9 billion bond measure to modernize K-12 schools and community colleges.