HYDE PARK — The 7th Ward aldermanic race could be headed toward a runoff with no clear frontrunner, according to polling data released Thursday.
A Feb. 3 poll by Ogden & Fry for Aldertrack showed half of the 490 voters surveyed still had not decided who to vote for in the crowded race with eight candidates.
“Often voters in African-American communities break late, so it is not surprising to see half the respondents undecided,” according to the pollsters. “Building brand identity is very expensive and in a crowded field, money will play a large factor deciding who makes the runoff.”
Incumbent Natashia Holmes led the poll with 15 percent, followed closely by Keiana Barrett with 10 percent.
Gregory Mitchell and LaShonda Curry were not far behind with more than 7 percent each.
Polling behind are Joseph Moseley II, Flora “Flo” Digby, Bernie Riley and Margie Reid.
The poll did not ask about Chevette Valentine, who was knocked off the ballot but is still running as a write-in candidate.
Respondents were chosen randomly from a sample of 7th Ward voters who had voted in at least one of the last three elections.
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