James Bradley freely admits he is a newcomer and an outsider to politics. Hence his low name ID.

So why then is he polling third as a first-time candidate for U.S. Senate?

A University of California, Berkeley poll released Friday has Bradley right behind Democrats Dianne Feinstein and Kevin De León.

It would be a remarkable achievement for a political novice to finish the U.S. Senate race in the top-two. Perhaps it speaks to California voters' thirst for change.

The "Independent Republican"

Bradley is a Coast Guard veteran, has multiple MBA's and is the CFO of a health care startup.

He's a believer in climate change who vehemently opposes California's "sanctuary state" movement. Ironically, the man just ahead of him in the polls, De León, authored SB 54. Bradley, who referred to himself as a longtime independent, said he registered as a Republican for the first time in March, because he said, the Democratic Party was no longer a viable option.

In the Berkeley poll, the 60-year-old Laguna Niguel resident and first-time candidate fell one point behind state Sen. Kevin de León in the battle for second place and a spot on the November ballot.

Click here to Listen to the Podcast: