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Poll Shows Crowded California Governor’s Race as Hilton Leads and Undecided Voters Dominate
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By News
Published 3 weeks ago on
April 17, 2026

The top two Republican candidates for governor, Chad Bianco (left) and Steve Hilton, appeared at an April 1 debate at Fresno State. (GV Wire/Jahz Tello)

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A new Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics survey finds a crowded and unsettled field ahead of California’s June 2 gubernatorial primary, with a significant share of voters still undecided.

The poll, conducted April 14–15 among 1,000 likely primary voters, shows Republican Steve Hilton leading with 17% support, followed by Republican Chad Bianco at 14% and Democrat Tom Steyer also at 14%. Democrats Xavier Becerra and Katie Porter each received about 10%, while Matt Mahan trailed with 5%.

Another 23% of voters said they remain undecided.

The survey found Democrats make up 50.2% of likely voters, compared to 26.6% Republicans and 23.2% independents or others.

When asked about top issues, 41.1% of respondents cited the economy, including jobs, inflation and taxes, followed by housing affordability at 19.8% and threats to democracy at 9.7%.

The sample reflects a diverse electorate, with 47.8% identifying as White, 30.8% Hispanic or Latino, and 10% Black.

The poll has a credibility interval of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

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