Steve Hilton Leads California Governor Race at 22% as Xavier Becerra Climbs to 21%
Updated
Updated · Los Angeles Times · May 19
Steve Hilton Leads California Governor Race at 22% as Xavier Becerra Climbs to 21%
13 articles · Updated · Los Angeles Times · May 19
A new Evitarus poll of 1,200 likely voters puts Hilton at 22% and Becerra at 21% just two weeks before California’s June 2 primary, making them the likeliest top-two finishers.
Becerra’s rise marks a sharp turnaround from 4% in early April after former Democratic frontrunner Eric Swalwell quit the race amid sexual misconduct and assault allegations, while Hilton gained after President Trump endorsed him.
Tom Steyer trails Becerra at 15% despite a heavy self-funded ad blitz attacking Becerra; Republican Chad Bianco stands at 10%, with Katie Porter at 7% and other Democrats in low single digits.
The tighter numbers ease Democratic fears of a November shutout under California’s top-two primary system, though ballots are already out to 23.1 million registered voters and most have not yet been returned.
How will California's unique voting rules and low turnout shape the final outcome?
Does a TV host's surge in the polls signal a new political era for California?
As controversies mount, can Xavier Becerra's long public service record save his campaign?