The race to succeed California Governor Gavin Newsom is heating up. A recent poll shows five candidates are closely matched as they head toward the June primary.
Among the candidates are three Democrats: former Representative Katie Porter, current Representative Eric Swalwell, and hedge fund founder Tom Steyer. On the Republican side, conservative commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco are also in the mix. According to the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), these candidates are all within just four percentage points of each other.
Mark Baldassare, the survey director at PPIC, noted that voters are feeling financial pressure. “Affordability is a key issue for them,” he said. This sentiment reflects broader trends in California, where many residents are struggling with high living costs.
So far, Hilton leads with 14% support, followed closely by Porter at 13%, Bianco at 12%, Swalwell at 11%, and Steyer at 10%. The competition remains tight, with roughly 10% of likely voters still undecided.
The dynamic in this race is complicated. California’s primary system allows the top two candidates to advance to the general election, regardless of their party affiliation. Democratic leaders are worried that with so many contenders, the vote might split in a way that allows the two Republicans to move forward. Notably, no Republican has held a statewide office in California since 2006.
Recent developments highlight this competitive landscape. While Hilton and Bianco’s support remained stable, Porter’s popularity has dipped. She faced scrutiny recently due to a video showing her reprimanding staff and journalists. Porter later expressed regret for her actions, a move that perhaps aims to regain voter trust.
The political climate is also buzzing with congressional races. A poll found that 62% of likely voters in California favor a Democratic candidate for Congress, while just 36% support Republicans. Some voter sentiments suggest a strong desire for healthcare reform, as 60% backed a proposed 5% tax on billionaires’ assets to improve healthcare services.
This polling was conducted from February 3 to 11 with 1,657 California adults participating. The poll has a margin of error of about 3.1%, highlighting that voter preferences can shift as the campaign progresses.
As election day draws near, it’s clear that the issues of affordability and representation will be key drivers for voters, shaping the future of California politics.
