In the California governor’s race, Xavier Becerra stands out as the leading Democrat, according to a recent poll by the state Democratic Party. Despite facing intense criticism from opponents and a flood of harsh political ads, he maintains a solid lead.
Billionaire Tom Steyer, another Democratic candidate, has been aggressively funding his campaign. He’s running ads that attack Becerra’s long public service record and his campaign donations from Chevron. However, these efforts haven’t yet helped Steyer gain significant ground.
The poll shows Becerra with 21% support from likely voters, while Steyer follows with 15%. Other candidates like Katie Porter and Matt Mahan have much lower ratings, at 7% and 4%, respectively.
Becerra believes his rise in the polls is due to voters paying more attention. He commented on the importance of trust, saying, “People want a candidate who can hit the ground running.” He thinks Steyer’s spending is not resonating with Californians, who may view his wealth as a barrier rather than an asset.
On the Republican side, Steve Hilton leads with 22% support, followed by Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco with 10%. The way California’s primary system works means the top two candidates, regardless of party, will move on to the general election.
Recent polling indicates a notable change for Becerra, who was at just 4% in early April. His boost follows the withdrawal of Eric Swalwell, once the front-runner, after serious allegations emerged against him.
Political experts note that this shift highlights the unpredictable nature of campaigns. Rusty Hicks, chairman of the state Democratic Party, remarked on the evolving race and the narrowing field, suggesting that both parties are starting to consolidate their support.
The poll, conducted by Evitarus from May 14 to 16, involved 1,200 likely voters and carries a margin of error of 2.83%. With many ballots still unreturned, there’s plenty of room for change as the primary approaches.
As this race unfolds, it reflects broader patterns in California politics, where a crowded field can lead to unexpected turns. The impact of campaign spending versus genuine voter connection is particularly noteworthy, as more Californians engage in the electoral process leading up to the June 2 primary.
For further context, California has historically seen big swings in voter sentiment, often shaped by current events and emerging issues. It’s essential for candidates to connect authentically with voters, proving that trust can outweigh campaign dollars in determining the outcome of elections.
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