Becerra Gains Support, Ties Hilton For Lead In CA Governor's Race, Latest Poll Shows

SACRAMENTO, CA — California's gubernatorial race continues to yield surprises after a new poll revealed former state Attorney General Xavier Becerra has tied for support with conservative commentator Steve Hilton.

A new poll conducted for the California Democratic Party (CADEM) showed support for Becerra has jumped five points since the April 17 poll, sharing 18 percent of support with Hilton. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco trailed them with 14 percent, and businessman Tom Steyer, a Democrat, lost support, falling to 12 percent. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan saw a marginal 2-point increase to 7 percent, while Porter — who was once a top contender — has dropped 2 points to 8 percent.

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California Democratic Party released the updated tracking poll from the California VOTER Index on Monday, about a month ahead of the primary election on June 2.

The new survey indicated more California voters are ready to choose a candidate to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, as the number of undecided voters dropped from 24 percent to 14 percent.

Former U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell and former state Controller Betty Yee, who both dropped out of the governor's race after the filing deadline, polled at 1 percent in the survey. Both of their names will appear on the ballot.

The new survey was conducted by EVITARUS, the only Black- and Latina-led full-service public opinion research firm in California, and polled more than 1,200 likely voters from April 30 to May 2.

California's 2026 gubernatorial race has seen multiple shifts in the polls after Swalwell — who was once the leading candidate among Democrats — dropped out of the race last month amid calls to exit and resign from Congress after he was accused of sexual assault. Swalwell has denied the allegations.

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An Emerson poll last month showed Steyer holding 14 percent of support of likely voters and Becerra behind him with 10 percent, but another poll released last month from SurveyUSA showed Steyer was leading among all candidates with 21 percent of likely voters.

"Voters will start receiving their ballots today and will begin voting," CADEM Chair Rusty Hicks said on Monday.

"Today’s VOTER Index results show movement in the race and progress towards ensuring a strong Democrat is elected the next Governor of California."

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