A recent survey by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) reveals an intriguing twist in the race for California’s next governor. The poll suggests that both a Democrat and a Republican are likely to advance to the November runoff.
Currently, Xavier Becerra, the former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, leads with 23% support from likely voters. He is closely followed by Steve Hilton, a former Fox News commentator, with 20%. Other candidates include billionaire activist Tom Steyer at 15%, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco at 13%, and former Congresswoman Katie Porter at 12%.
Mark Baldassare, the director of the PPIC survey, noted that this is the first poll showing clear front-runners from both parties. Becerra’s rise in popularity follows the withdrawal of Rep. Eric Swalwell, who stepped back amid serious allegations. Baldassare observed, “With Swalwell out, support for Becerra has surged, thanks to his extensive experience and his track record addressing issues relevant to Democrats.”
Hilton saw a similar boost after receiving an endorsement from former President Donald Trump in April, helping him leap ahead of Bianco among Republican voters. Despite a noticeable decline in GOP optimism—only 50% of Republicans believe the U.S. is headed in the right direction, down from 64% earlier this year—Trump maintains a strong 75% approval rating among his party.
The competition is heating up, and the stakes are especially high given Steyer’s hefty campaign spending. He has invested over $213 million of his personal fortune into his bid. Baldassare noted, “Steyer has hit a ceiling in support, but his financial resources mean he can still make a significant impact in the coming weeks.”
The top concerns for Californians remain the high cost of living and issues of political extremism. Nearly one-third believe that threats to democracy are the most pressing problems in the U.S., echoing sentiments found across various social media platforms where these discussions are rampant.
This poll was conducted between May 14-18 and has a sampling error of plus or minus 3.2%.
To read more about California politics and polls, check out the PPIC’s survey.
