Recent polling indicates Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra are leading the pack ahead of the June primary
Category: Politics
As California approaches its gubernatorial primary on June 7, 2026, the race has become increasingly competitive, with new polling indicating a shift in frontrunners. Republican commentator Steve Hilton is currently leading in several polls, but former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is gaining ground, showing a tightly contested battle for the top two spots.
Recent surveys reveal that Hilton has consistently held a lead in the crowded Republican field, often followed by Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. Meanwhile, Becerra has emerged as a strong contender among Democrats, particularly following the exit of former Rep. Eric Swalwell, who resigned from Congress after facing serious allegations.
According to a new Evitarus poll sponsored by the California Democratic Party, both Hilton and Becerra are tied at 18% support among likely voters. This survey, which sampled 1,200 individuals, suggests a competitive dynamic as the primary date approaches. Becerra's rise comes as he benefits from Swalwell's departure, positioning him as a leading Democratic candidate alongside Hilton.
In other polling data, the SurveyUSA poll, released shortly after the Evitarus survey, places Hilton slightly ahead with 20% of the vote. Following him is Democrat Tom Steyer at 18%, with Bianco at 12% and Becerra trailing at 10%. This divergence in polling results highlights the fluid nature of the race, as candidates vie for undecided voters who still represent a considerable portion of the electorate.
Polling from YouGov and CBS News corroborates this trend, showing Hilton at 16%, Steyer at 15%, and Becerra at 13%. These figures indicate that the race remains very much in flux, with a notable percentage of voters still undecided. In the Evitarus poll, 14% of respondents reported being undecided, a decrease from 24% in previous surveys, signaling that voters may be starting to coalesce around their preferred candidates.
The California gubernatorial race has been marked by its competitiveness and the diverse array of candidates vying for the position. The state’s unique primary system allows the top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, to advance to the general election. This setup has led to concerns among Democrats about the possibility of two Republicans making it to the ballot in November.
Historically, California has leaned Democratic in statewide elections, but recent polling trends suggest that the race could become contentious. With two prominent Republicans, Hilton and Bianco, currently polling well, Democratic candidates like Becerra and Steyer must work diligently to secure their positions. The recent political climate, compounded by Swalwell's exit, has created an opening for Becerra to step into the spotlight.
Former Rep. Katie Porter, another Democratic candidate, has struggled to gain traction, polling between 8% and 10% in recent surveys. This indicates a potential consolidation of support among Democratic voters for Becerra and Steyer, as they seek to present a united front against their Republican counterparts.
As the primary date draws near, candidates are expected to ramp up their campaigns, intensifying efforts to sway undecided voters. The upcoming debates and public appearances will be key opportunities for candidates to distinguish themselves and solidify their bases of support. The potential for a candidate to drop out before the primary could also significantly alter the dynamics of the race, consolidating votes behind fewer frontrunners.
With less than a month to go, the stakes are high for all candidates involved. They must navigate the complex political terrain of California, where voter sentiment can shift rapidly. The final weeks leading up to the primary will be a test of each candidate's ability to connect with constituents and articulate their vision for the future of California.
The results of the primary will not only determine the candidates who advance to the general election but will also provide insight into the political mood of California voters. As the race tightens, attention will turn to the candidates' strategies and their ability to resonate with a diverse electorate in the Golden State.
As the countdown to the primary continues, the outcome remains uncertain, but : the race for California governor is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent history. Voters will have their say on June 7, and the implications of this election will resonate across the political spectrum.