Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra is gaining momentum in the California gubernatorial primary. As of May 30, a recent poll from Emerson College shows Becerra leading with 28% support. This puts him ahead of billionaire Tom Steyer (22%) and conservative commentator Steve Hilton (21%).
Other candidates, including Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, received 12%, while Democrats Katie Porter and Matt Mahan each hold 5%.
Becerra’s support is substantial among Democrats (44%) and is strong with Hispanics (36%) and women (36%). Meanwhile, Hilton captures a majority of the Republican vote at 59%.
Steyer appeals particularly to the younger demographic and white voters, holding 36% and 25% of these groups, respectively.
In California’s open primary system, the top two finishers advance to the November general election, regardless of party affiliation.
Chad Bianco’s decline might benefit Hilton if support shifts, while Steyer’s success depends on younger voter turnout. The poll indicates voter opinions are largely fixed, as 75% of respondents remain steadfast in their candidate choice. Only a quarter are open to changing their voting decision.
Undecided voters make up 4% of the surveyed group. Overall, Becerra, Hilton, and Steyer show potential voter shares of 28%, 23%, and 23%, respectively.
The survey featuring 1,000 likely voters occurred between May 27 and May 28. Becerra’s support climbed by 9 points since the earlier May 9-10 poll. Steyer increased by 5 points, Hilton by 4, while Bianco saw a minor 1 point rise. Mahan and Porter witnessed losses of 3 and 5 points, respectively.
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