Xavier Becerra, a Democrat, is leading the California governor’s race according to a new poll. This survey, conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California and released Wednesday night, highlights voter preferences concerning environmental laws and policies. Becerra has wide support among likely voters, favoring him over the Republican candidate, Steve Hilton, with 61% backing Becerra and 36% supporting Hilton.
The poll shows strong voter endorsement for a measure to reform California’s environmental law for quicker housing and infrastructure development. Proposition 45, aimed at expediting development by reducing times for environmental reviews, public comments, and legal challenges, enjoys backing from nearly three-quarters of likely voters. Mark Baldassare, PPIC survey director, stated, “At this early stage in the campaign, California voters are feeling more aligned with Democratic candidates on the environment, and it shows in the polling.”
Becerra and Hilton both commented on the race. Hilton remarked that the race is “wide open,” emphasizing his background as a business problem-solver. Becerra’s campaign, through spokesman Jonathan Underland, expressed confidence in maintaining voter support.
Concerning data centers, a majority of Californians oppose constructing centers for AI technology in their areas. The opposition cuts across different demographics, particularly strong in the Inland Empire, where a proposed data center project was halted.
On environmental policies, Californians broadly support the state’s moves to cut greenhouse gas emissions, but there’s hesitation to pay extra for renewable energy. While 62% favor a law for 100% renewable electricity within two decades, only 38% are willing to pay more for it. Residents cited energy costs as a major concern, echoing widespread disapproval of Newsom’s plan to ban gas-powered vehicle sales by 2035.
Despite some gaps in environmental policy opinions, majorities of likely voters approve of Governor Gavin Newsom’s and the state Legislature’s handling of environmental issues. Trump’s rating, however, is much lower at 28%, reflecting dissatisfaction over his environmental policy approach.
The survey, conducted from June 29 to July 6, sampled 1,578 California adults, including 1,003 likely voters. It has a margin of error of 3.8 percentage points.
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