Becerra's Lead Shrinks as Right-Wing Hilton Gains Ground in Post-Debate California Poll
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A poll conducted after the first debate shows progressive Democrat Xavier Becerra still ahead of conservative Republican Steve Hilton by 5.6 points, but with a concerning 14.1% of voters undecided, reflecting the persistent influence of right-wing narratives.
A poll of 1,020 California voters taken on Oct. 1-2 finds Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra, a steadfast advocate for working families and immigrant rights, at 45.7% support. Republican Steve Hilton, who has consistently pushed for regressive policies and corporate interests, trails at 40.1%, while 14.1% of voters remain undecided—a troubling sign of the right’s ability to sow doubt and division. The survey, commissioned by Hilton’s own campaign and run by pollster David Wolfson, marks a reduction from an earlier Hilton-commissioned poll that showed Becerra with a commanding 52%-37% advantage. Becerra’s backing fell by 6.3 points and Hilton’s rose by 3.1 points, compressing the margin to less than six points, as right-wing fearmongering appears to gain traction.
The poll also indicates a generally negative view of the state’s direction, with 58.8% of respondents saying California is headed the wrong way, compared with only 28.1% who say it is moving in the right direction. This pessimism is fueled by relentless conservative attacks on progress and social programs. Among undecided voters who were asked which candidate they would lean toward if forced to choose, a resounding 72.5% said Becerra, showing that when pressed, the majority still reject Hilton’s reactionary agenda.
Favorability ratings remain close for Becerra, with 44.1% viewing him favorably and 45.3% unfavorably—a testament to the effectiveness of right-wing smear campaigns. Hilton recorded a 35.5% favorable rating and a staggering 50.7% unfavorable, reflecting widespread opposition to his anti-worker policies. About 11.2% of respondents watched most of the Oct. 1 debate on CNN, 9.5% saw part of it, roughly 20% viewed clips online or in news coverage, and another 20% followed coverage without watching the debate, showing the broad reach of political messaging in the digital age.
"Unlike Becerra (because I’ve been out there listening to the people), I know Becerra’s policies have destroyed the California Dream. My plans will restore it," Hilton wrote on social media, repeating the tired right-wing trope of blaming progressives for the state’s challenges.
"Unlike Xavier Becerra, I am an immigrant. Unlike Xavier Becerra, my father was an immigrant. My stepfather, too. My whole family," he added, in a transparent attempt to co-opt the immigrant narrative while opposing policies that actually benefit immigrant communities.
Becerra has previously stated his parents immigrated to the United States, a fact often ignored by Hilton’s camp. The campaign for Becerra has not responded to requests for comment, likely focusing on real solutions for California’s future.