California Governor Poll: Becerra Leads Hilton by 21 Points

Xavier Becerra, the Democratic candidate for California governor, holds a commanding lead over Republican Steve Hilton, according to a new poll released June 11. Becerra garners 52% of registered voters' support, compared to Hilton's 31%. The poll, conducted by the UC Berkeley Institute for Governmental Studies and co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Times, surveyed 8,578 registered voters between May 19 and May 24, with a margin of error of two percentage points.

The race appears to align closely with party affiliations, a common trend in California politics. Over 80% of registered Democrats back Becerra, while a similar proportion of Republicans support Hilton. However, Becerra also leads among independent voters and those registered with minor parties, capturing 43% of this crucial demographic, which constitutes about a third of the state's electorate.

Steve Hilton's campaign has leveraged the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, which proved particularly effective during the primary elections. The poll indicates that Trump's recommendation influenced 37% of Republican voters to consider Hilton more favorably. This backing helped Hilton secure the Republican nomination over his primary challenger, Chad Bianco.

Despite the advantage within the Republican base, Trump's endorsement may present a challenge for Hilton in the general election. A significant 69% of California voters disapprove of Trump's performance, while only 29% approve. Poll director Mark DiCamillo suggests that Trump's negative image in the state could limit the political benefit Hilton receives from this association as the November election approaches.