Becerra Leads in California Gubernatorial Primary Polls

Former state Attorney General Xavier Becerra holds a leading position in the upcoming California gubernatorial primary. A recent poll reveals that Becerra, a Democrat, has 28% support among likely voters. This places him ahead of billionaire Tom Steyer and conservative commentator Steve Hilton, who follow with 22% and 21% respectively.

The Emerson College Polling survey, conducted before the primary, also shows Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco at 12%. Democrats Katie Porter and Matt Mahan each garnered 5% support. Becerra has gained traction among key demographics, carrying 44% of Democratic voters, 36% of Hispanic voters, and 36% of female voters.

Steve Hilton leads with 59% of the Republican vote, significantly ahead of Bianco, who holds 29%. Meanwhile, Steyer appeals to younger voters under 30 with 36% support and is preferred by 25% of white voters.

In California’s open primary system, if no candidate wins a majority, the top two, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the general election in November. Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, notes that Hilton could benefit if Bianco’s support diminishes. For Steyer, success hinges on engaging young voters and limiting Becerra’s growth.

The survey, conducted from May 27 to 28, included 1,000 likely voters. It reveals a steady trend, with 75% stating they will definitely vote for their selected candidate. However, 25% remain open to changing their choice, and 4% are still undecided.

Comparing recent data, Becerra’s support has grown by 9 percentage points since earlier in May. During the same period, Steyer and Hilton saw increases of 5 and 4 percentage points, respectively. Bianco’s support edged up by 1 percentage point, while Mahan and Porter experienced declines.