Poll Shows Conservative Momentum as Steve Hilton Gains in Crowded California Governor Race
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A recent poll shows Xavier Becerra leading, but Steve Hilton, buoyed by Trump’s endorsement, is closing the gap in the California governor race, raising hopes for a Republican breakthrough as Democrats struggle with low turnout and internal divisions.
Xavier Becerra is currently leading the California gubernatorial race, according to a poll from the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, but the real story is the surge of Steve Hilton, who is rapidly gaining ground. Hilton, a Republican, is now closely trailing Becerra and is just five points ahead of Tom Steyer, a liberal billionaire, reflecting a growing appetite for conservative leadership in a state long dominated by Democrats. The shift comes after former Rep. Eric Swalwell, a far-left figure, exited the race, leaving the Democratic field fractured.
Poll director Mark DiCamillo highlighted that while Democrats are consolidating around Becerra, Hilton’s campaign has been energized by the recent endorsement from former President Donald Trump, a move that has galvanized the Republican base. Hilton’s support among Republicans has surged, and Steyer’s presence in the race, despite spending $213 million of his own fortune, is only barely keeping him in contention. Meanwhile, Becerra’s lead is shrinking, and the Democratic establishment is showing signs of vulnerability.
Support for other candidates, such as Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco—a law-and-order conservative—and former Rep. Katie Porter, has diminished, as the left-wing establishment and big-money donors dominate the conversation. DiCamillo noted the difficulty for candidates to recover once their numbers drop, especially in a race where super PACs have spent $34 million attacking Steyer, exposing the deep divisions and infighting among Democrats.
Democrats who once feared a Republican breakthrough with Hilton and Bianco advancing to the general election are now watching Hilton’s momentum with concern. Trump’s endorsement has motivated 37% of GOP voters to back Hilton, a significant boost, especially as Democratic turnout is lower than in previous elections. With 7% of voters still undecided, the race remains fluid. Hilton currently leads among those who have already voted, with 29% support, compared to Becerra’s 20% and Steyer’s 17%. DiCamillo pointed out that Bianco’s supporters overwhelmingly back Hilton as their second choice, suggesting that the conservative movement in California is far from finished and could deliver a major upset in November.