In California, a surprising shift is happening as two Republican candidates are leading a crowded field in the upcoming 2026 governor race. A recent poll from UC Berkeley shows conservative commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco are at the forefront, grabbing 17% and 16% of likely voters, respectively.
Democratic support seems scattered, with figures like Rep. Eric Swalwell and former Rep. Katie Porter each attracting 13%. Other prominent Democrats like Tom Steyer, who has spent millions on his campaign, see just 10%. Such a lack of enthusiasm among Democratic voters could possibly result in a Republican showdown in the November election—the first time that could occur in many years.
Mark DiCamillo, the poll director, noted that voters seem “disengaged,” with many unsure about the candidates. “They’re kind of sleepwalking to this election,” he said. This disinterest could stem from a crowded field lacking a standout candidate, leading some to feel uninspired about their choices. In fact, a large number of voters remain unfamiliar with other prominent figures like former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra and other lesser-known Democratic contenders.
Despite this uncertainty, issues like affordability dominate voters’ concerns. Nearly 40% of those polled emphasize reducing the cost of living as a top priority for the next governor. This reflects a broader trend; affordability continues to resonate nationwide as a pressing issue, notably impacting how candidates position themselves during campaigns.
On the Republican side, there’s a notable urgency to tackle issues like government waste and corruption—50% of GOP voters consider it a major priority, compared to only 10% of Democrats. This indicates a significant division in priorities that may shape discussions leading up to the election.
While Democrats are traditionally dominant in California, recent trends show they may need to galvanize support quickly. For context, no Republican has won a statewide election since Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006. Yet, with many voters still undecided, the upcoming primary isn’t guaranteed for either party.
The survey conducted by Berkeley IGS engaged over 5,000 registered voters in both English and Spanish, with a margin of error of 2.5%. As the race heats up, the strategies candidates adopt to address the pressing issues of affordability and government accountability will be crucial to capturing voter interest in the crucial months ahead.
For those interested in a deeper dive into contemporary political attitudes, consider reviewing reports by the [Pew Research Center](https://www.pewresearch.org/) that regularly analyze broader trends across the United States. Their findings can offer insight into how California’s issues resonate on a national level.
