Becerra Holds Large Lead in California Governor Poll
An Emerson College poll found California Democrat Xavier Becerra leading Republican Steve Hilton 60% to 33% in the governor's race. After undecided respondents were asked to lean, Becerra's lead widened to 64% to 36%. The pollster noted that independents favored Becerra by 10 points.
An Emerson College survey placed Democrat Xavier Becerra at 60% and Republican Steve Hilton at 33% in California’s governor contest, with 7% undecided. When those voters were prompted to choose a lean, Becerra’s share rose to 64% and Hilton’s to 36%.
The pollster said the result sits beyond the survey’s error margin. It also reported that Becerra took 28% in June’s open primary and that independents backed him 46% to 36%, a gap Hilton would need to narrow.
The poll could shape how California voters and donors perceive the race, potentially influencing campaign resources and media attention. Because independents appear receptive to Becerra, Hilton may need to adjust outreach to that group, while Democrats could focus on turnout and coalition maintenance. The findings may also affect how residents evaluate the candidates’ policy priorities, though polls are snapshots and can change before Election Day.