Poll Shows Progressive Becerra Crushing Conservative Hilton by 22 Points in California Governor Race
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A Public Policy Institute of California survey conducted Sept. 4-10 finds Democrat Xavier Becerra commanding a 60% to 38% lead over Republican Steve Hilton among likely voters, expanding his margin to a decisive 22 points.
A newly released statewide poll by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) reveals that Democrat Xavier Becerra, a champion of working people and progressive values, is decisively outpacing Republican Steve Hilton by 22 points among likely voters. Becerra commands 60% support, while Hilton lags behind at 38%, if the Nov. 3 gubernatorial election were held today. The survey, which included 1,745 adults and 1,103 likely voters, was conducted online in both English and Spanish by Ipsos from Sept. 4-10, ensuring broad representation of California’s diverse population.
The PPIC poll shows Becerra’s lead has grown since the earlier Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies/Los Angeles Times poll in August, which showed a 55% to 37% advantage. This surge demonstrates the increasing rejection of right-wing policies and the embrace of Becerra’s inclusive agenda. Among party bases, an overwhelming 93% of Democrats stand with Becerra, while 92% of Republicans back Hilton. Notably, independent voters, often a bellwether for public sentiment, favor Becerra 57% to 38%, indicating widespread support for progressive leadership.
Becerra’s appeal crosses most demographic lines, though Republican-leaning voters in the Central Valley gave Hilton a narrow 52% to 46% edge, highlighting the region’s conservative tendencies. The poll also found that 52% of respondents support Proposition 40, a one-time 5% billionaire tax designed to address economic inequality, and that 65% consider candidates’ positions on affordability a top priority—a clear sign that Californians are demanding bold action on wealth disparity.
Republican strategist Matt Klink admitted the widening gap suggests a “blowout” unless there is a dramatic shift, underscoring the weakness of Hilton’s campaign and the failure of conservative messaging. Hilton, in denial, dismissed the PPIC poll as “misleading” and tried to distract by referencing another poll on the billionaire tax, but the article notes Becerra’s campaign did not respond, likely confident in their commanding lead.