Xavier Becerra Leads Polls in California Governor’s Race
The race for governor of California is tightening as primary elections approach, with recent polling indicating a competitive battle for the top two spots in the runoff.
Becerra Maintains Early Lead
Two polls released this week consistently place Xavier Becerra in the lead. Becerra, who previously served as the California attorney general and the Health and Human Services secretary under former President Joe Biden, is currently the frontrunner.
A recent Berkeley-Los Angeles Times poll of likely voters shows Becerra holding 25% of the support. However, the competition for the second runoff position remains highly volatile.
The Fight for Second Place
The contest for the second slot is currently a toss-up between Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Tom Steyer. According to the Berkeley-Los Angeles Times poll, Hilton holds 21% while Steyer follows closely at 19%.
Jim Newton, a professor of public policy at UCLA, noted that Steyer has focused significant attention on Becerra. Newton suggested there may be a stronger argument for Steyer to target Hilton, as Hilton is the primary obstacle to Steyer securing a spot in the next round.
Republican Dynamics and External Pressures
Within the Republican camp, Steve Hilton has spent weeks urging Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco to exit the race and offer an endorsement. While Bianco’s support has dropped from 16% to 11% in the latest polling, his presence in the race remains a factor.
Newton suggests that a “macro-environment” of repulsion toward Donald Trump may be hindering Republican candidates in California. He noted that while Trump’s endorsement could potentially help Hilton reach a runoff, such an association might ultimately prove to be a “kiss of death” in the general election.
Shifting Momentum
Other candidates are seeing a decline in support. Comparing data from March to the current week, Katie Porter has seen her polling numbers slip from 13% to 7%.
As the primary nears, candidates continue to engage with voters across the state. The frontrunner, Xavier Becerra, was seen campaigning in Palm Springs this past Friday.
Future Scenarios
Looking ahead, several outcomes could shape the final runoff. Two Democratic candidates could outperform the field and box out Steve Hilton entirely, preventing any Republican from advancing past June.
Alternatively, if Hilton continues to consolidate the Republican vote—potentially through an endorsement from Chad Bianco—he may be more likely to secure the second runoff slot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is currently leading the California governor’s race?
Xavier Becerra is currently in first place, with 25% in the Berkeley-Los Angeles Times poll of likely voters.
How much money has Tom Steyer contributed to his campaign?
Tom Steyer has put more than $216 million of his personal fortune into his campaign.
Which candidates have seen a decrease in their polling numbers?
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has slipped from 16% to 11%, and Katie Porter has dropped from 13% in March to 7%.
Do you believe a candidate’s personal spending is more influential than party endorsements in a primary race?