Becerra Leads Hilton in California Governor Race, Poll Shows

Democrat Xavier Becerra is positioned as the frontrunner in the California gubernatorial race, leading Republican Steve Hilton by a significant margin, according to a new poll from the University of California Berkeley's Institute of Governmental Studies. The survey indicates Becerra holds 55% of voter preferences, compared to Hilton's 37%.

Becerra, a former Secretary of Health under President Joe Biden and previously California's Attorney General, has solidified his standing after a more contested Democratic primary. Hilton, a former Fox News host and an ally of former President Donald Trump, faces an uphill battle. The election, scheduled for November 3, will determine who succeeds current Governor Gavin Newsom, who is ineligible for re-election after serving two terms.

The poll, conducted between August 3 and 9 with a sample of 2,310 likely voters, also revealed strong party loyalty. 88% of likely Democratic voters favor Becerra, while 91% of Republicans plan to support Hilton. This aligns with California's voter registration, where Democrats constitute 45.3% of the electorate, nearly double the 25.2% of Republicans.

Becerra, of Mexican descent, garners substantial support across various demographics, including women, younger voters, and Black Californians. Notably, only 1% of respondents cited his Latino heritage or immigrant background as their primary reason for support. Public opinion also favors Becerra, with a 49% favorable rating versus 43% unfavorable. Hilton's public image is less positive, with only 39% viewing him favorably and 50% unfavorably. Republicans have not held the governorship in California for two decades, since Arnold Schwarzenegger's second term.