New California governor poll shows Becerra widening lead over Hilton

Key Points:

• Xavier Becerra leads Republican Steve Hilton by 22 points in the California gubernatorial race, with 60% support to Hilton’s 38%, according to a recent Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) poll conducted in early September.
• The margin has widened since an August Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies/Los Angeles Times poll, which showed Becerra ahead by 18 points; Hilton criticized the PPIC poll as misleading and emphasized GOP turnout concerns.
• Becerra maintains strong support across most demographic groups and independents, while Hilton leads only in the Central Valley region; both candidates enjoy solid backing within their respective party bases.
• Affordability is a key issue for voters, with 65% saying it will heavily influence their vote, amid widespread economic pessimism in California; Hilton focuses on cost of living and business climate, while Becerra campaigns on his experience as attorney general and former federal health secretary.
• The PPIC poll also indicates a strong Democratic advantage in California’s upcoming House races, with 62% of likely voters favoring Democratic candidates versus 36% for Republicans.