Becerra Gains Lead in California Gubernatorial Primary

Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra is taking a commanding lead in the California gubernatorial primary, according to a recent Emerson College Polling survey. The poll, conducted before the primary, highlights Becerra’s strong position with 28% support. His closest competitors, Democrat Tom Steyer and Republican Steve Hilton, follow closely with 22% and 21% respectively.

The survey shows Republican Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff, with 12% support. Other Democratic candidates, Katie Porter and Matt Mahan, received 5% each. Becerra’s support is notably strong among certain groups, with 44% of Democrats, 36% of Hispanics, and 36% of women backing him.

Hilton has garnered majority support among Republicans, with 59% choosing him over Bianco’s 29%. Steyer is particularly popular with younger voters, securing 36% among those under 30, and he is also preferred by 25% of white voters.

In California’s open primary system, if no candidate achieves a majority, the top two will advance to the November general election, regardless of party. Emerson College Polling executive director Spencer Kimball comments that if Bianco’s support decreases, Hilton is well-positioned to gain.

Steyer’s strategy revolves around energizing younger voters while limiting Becerra’s expanding base, which could draw support away from Steyer. The poll suggests stability in voter preference, with 75% firm in their choice, while the remaining 25% might change their decision. About 4% of respondents remain undecided.

The survey, which involved 1,000 likely voters, was conducted on May 27-28. It shows Becerra gaining 9 percentage points since an earlier poll taken on May 9-10. In that same period, Steyer and Hilton saw support growth of 5 and 4 percentage points respectively. Bianco’s backing grew by 1 percentage point, while Mahan and Porter experienced declines of 3 and 5 percentage points.