Who’s ahead in the California governor race?
CalMatters • • general
Key Points:
- Democrat Xavier Becerra leads the California governor race with 23% support in a recent Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) poll, followed by Republican Steve Hilton at 20%, Tom Steyer at 15%, Chad Bianco at 13%, and Katie Porter at 12%.
- The state's open primary system allows the top two candidates to advance to the November election regardless of party, with Becerra gaining momentum after Eric Swalwell's withdrawal amid misconduct allegations.
- Steyer's campaign disputes the PPIC poll results, citing internal tracking and other polls suggesting stronger support for the liberal billionaire.
- The PPIC survey reveals widespread voter dissatisfaction nationally, with 75% of likely voters saying the country is headed in the wrong direction, including half of Republicans, signaling challenges for GOP efforts to maintain control of the U.S. House.
- California's Gen Z voters, comprising nearly 20% of eligible voters, are concerned about inflation, healthcare, and housing, influencing their voting preferences in the upcoming elections.