Hilton, Becerra in tightening race in final weeks of California governor's campaign
Los Angeles Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Former Biden Cabinet member Xavier Becerra leads the California Democratic governor’s race with 21% support, despite heavy negative advertising and attacks from rivals, according to a new state Democratic Party poll.
- Billionaire Tom Steyer, who is heavily self-funding his campaign, trails Becerra with 15% support, while other Democrats like Katie Porter and Matt Mahan have single-digit backing.
- Becerra attributes his polling surge to voters seeking a trustworthy candidate ready to govern immediately, dismissing Steyer’s expensive attack ads as ineffective.
- On the Republican side, former Fox News host Steve Hilton leads with 22%, followed by Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco at 10%, positioning Hilton and Becerra as likely top-two primary finishers.
- The poll reflects a significant turnaround for Becerra, who was at 4% in early April before front-runner Eric Swalwell withdrew amid allegations, and indicates growing voter focus as California’s June 2 primary approaches.