Hillary Clinton’s lead in California is shrinking as her opponent Bernie Sanders gains ground in the state.
A poll released Friday shows the Vermont senator within six percentage points of Clinton’s lead, marking a significant shift from earlier polling in the state, the Sacramento Bee reported.
Clinton now leads Sanders 47 percent to 41 percent, according to the new Field Poll. In January, the same poll showed the former first lady 11 percentage points ahead of her opponent, leading Sanders 46 percent to 35 percent among likely Democratic primary voters.
The poll showed Sanders substantially ahead of Clinton among young voters and independents. Clinton meanwhile leads in support among women, older voters, and registered Democrats.
The race between Clinton and Sanders grew tense this week as the two Democratic presidential candidates ramped up personal attacks.
Sanders said Thursday that the former secretary of state is not "qualified" to be president. Clinton laughed the comment off while speaking to reporters before campaigning in New York.
Sanders calls Clinton "unqualified"; Clinton refuses to respond in kind. https://t.co/MXRnMfda4i
— Brian Fallon (@brianefallon) April 7, 2016
Sanders clinched his latest victory in Wisconsin Wednesday. Though the self-described Democratic socialist has now won seven of the last eight races, Clinton still maintains a significant lead.
Five hundred forty-six delegates are at stake in California.