Gavin Newsom's Succession: Latest Polls for 2026 California Governor Race

The race to succeed Gavin Newsom as California governor is heating up as the June 2 primary election approaches. Recent polls indicate a competitive and open contest, with Republican Steve Hilton emerging as a frontrunner.

An Echelon Insights poll released May 22 placed Hilton in the lead with 25% of voter intention. He was followed by Democrats Tom Steyer at 18% and Xavier Becerra at 15%, with Republican Chad Bianco trailing at 12%. Hilton celebrated the results on social media, stating, "Our advantage is growing."

Another poll, conducted by Global Strategy Group for Tom Steyer's campaign, also showed Hilton ahead, though with a narrower margin. In this survey, Hilton garnered 22% support, while Steyer and Becerra were tied at 19%. Bianco remained in fourth place with 12%.

Pollsters noted that with Bianco's support stagnating, the competition to advance to the November general election is primarily between Hilton, Steyer, and Becerra. Approximately 7% of voters remain undecided. The Democratic primary is fragmented among several well-known state political figures, including Becerra, former Secretary of Health under Joe Biden and ex-state attorney general, and Steyer, who has maintained a strong advertising presence through self-funding.

California's electoral system features an open primary, allowing the two candidates with the most votes to proceed to the general election in November, irrespective of their party affiliation. This format opens the door to various potential scenarios for political strategists. Hilton has also pledged to eliminate income and property taxes for veterans.