Goodbye, Gavin Newsom: Latest California polls show who is leading the 2026 governor's race

Xavier Becerra enters the next phase of California's 2026 governor's race with a clear lead over Republican Steve Hilton in the latest polling.

A Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll conducted with the Los Angeles Times from August 3 to 9 gave Becerra 55% support among 2,310 potential voters, compared with 37% for Hilton. The Democrat's advantage was 18 points.

Becerra also led in three other surveys. Berkeley IGS recorded a 52% to 31% margin in a May poll of 8,578 registered voters. The Public Policy Institute of California gave Becerra 61% and Hilton 36% in a survey of 1,003 likely voters conducted from June 29 to July 6. Kreate Strategies found Becerra ahead 58% to 33% among 900 registered voters surveyed from June 13 to 17.

The available figures show Becerra holding a broad lead in the main general-election polls, although the margin varies by pollster and field dates. Both candidates reached the general election after defeating their rivals in the June primary.

California's system advances the two highest vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation. The result eliminated figures including Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer and Chad Bianco, then the sheriff of Riverside County.

Newsom could not run because California's Constitution limits governors to two terms. He will leave office on January 4, 2027. Voters will choose the next governor on Tuesday, November 3.