A new poll shows embattled Rep. Duncan Hunter leading the race for California’s 50th District after he was indicted on campaign fund violations.

The poll by Survey USA for the San Diego Union-Tribune released Monday showed Hunter had an 9-point lead against his Democratic opponent, former Obama administration official Ammar Campa-Najjar.

Nick Singer, a spokesman for Campa-Najjar, painted an optimistic picture of the poll.

“Polling has consistently found this to be a close and competitive race and we are gaining ground every day as voters learn more about Hunter’s corruption and egregious behavior,” Singer said.

Hunter and his wife Margaret were indicted last week for using $250,000 in campaign cash for personal use and both pleaded not guilty.

The poll found that 77 percent of Republicans were supporting Hunter and 72 percent said the indictment had no bearing on their support or increased their support.

Similarly, 64 percent of Republicans also said the charges were politically motivated.

A slight plurality of independents support Campa-Najjar at 44 percent compared to Hunter’s 41 percent. 

The poll was done for the Union-Tribune and 10News between Aug. 22 and Aug 26 and surveyed 539 registered voters who said they were likely to vote in the general election. The margin of error was 5.5 percentage points.

Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the race for California’s 50th District Likely Republican.