EXCLUSIVE — Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr urging an investigation into news outlets that reported on fabricated surveys by the hoax firm Wedgewood Polls.
Wedgewood admitted on Tuesday that its polling data, which showed Democrats up in major races, was entirely fabricated, and was done so as a “social experiment.” Despite the many election experts taking to social media to share concerns about Wedgewood, the fake organization’s surveys were widely reported by media companies like MS Now and included in polling aggregators by outlets like the New York Times.
“There is a journalistic standard news corporations should be held to, and when unvetted polling with undisclosed methodology is reported on it crosses the line,” Bice wrote in her letter to the FCC, which was obtained by the Washington Examiner. “I am deeply concerned by companies reporting on polls without knowing the information contained was questionable or fabricated to help sway public opinion and even the electorate.”
“I request that, in consultation with the Department of Justice, the Federal Communications Commission investigate whether any broadcast news company knowingly used fabricated polls to boost candidates and influence the outcome of the 2026 elections,” the letter continued.
In her letter, Bice asked the FCC to investigate whether the polls were funded by a foreign entity or were used by a foreign government in an attempt to sway the midterm elections.
Carr has already condemned the reporting of fabricated polls, saying the FCC takes these things “very seriously.”
“Broadcasters are prohibited by the terms of their federal licenses from engaging in News Distortion or promoting Broadcast Hoaxes. It is important that broadcasters comply with their public interest obligations,” Carr wrote on X. “After all, the country benefits greatly when Americans can trust and rely on the media to report the news fairly and accurately.”
As Election Day nears, fallout from the Wedgewood scandal has raised questions about the accuracy of polling in 2026. Current polls show Democrats on the cusp of a major blue wave — Cook Political Report on Friday shifted 19 additional House races toward Democrats.
Wedgewood was not the first polling firm to admit to fabrication. Median Strategies admitted to running a “social experiment,” similar to Wedgewood, according to the Los Angeles Times. SoCal Strategies has also reportedly been exposed for manipulating data; its website and social media sites have gone dark in recent days.
Bice’s letter comes as Republicans have warned voters not to trust polls this cycle and still turn out to vote. Bice is running for reelection in Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District.
“I talk to people, and I do think they have the effect of demotivating our voters,” Vice President JD Vance told reporters. “Which is why I encourage people to ignore the polls, run like we’re down, and try to make the best case that we can.”
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The Washington Examiner reached out to the FCC for comment.
The Washington Examiner cited Wedgewood polling in three instances in July, two involving Graham Platner of Maine and one involving Francesca Hong of Wisconsin. In each instance, the polling was not the primary angle of the story, and references to the polling company have subsequently been removed.