Becerra Extends Lead Over Hilton in California Governor's Race, Poll Shows
A new survey indicates the Democratic candidate holds a seven-percentage-point advantage over his Republican rival, with cost of living and opposition to Trump administration policies cited as key voter concerns.
California Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra has widened his lead over Republican rival Steven Hilton in the state's gubernatorial race, according to a new poll released by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies. The survey of 4,512 likely voters, conducted between September 15 and 20, found 58% support for Becerra, a former Health and Human Services secretary, compared to 33% for Hilton, who is endorsed by former President Donald Trump.
This latest poll indicates a growing advantage for Becerra since a May survey by the same institute, which showed him leading Hilton 55% to 37%. The widening gap aligns with other recent polls, including one from the Public Policy Institute of California, which also show Becerra with a lead of 20 percentage points or more.
When surveyed, voters cited the state's high cost of living, including elevated housing and fuel prices, as their primary concern. The poll also indicated that 37% of likely voters identified fighting the Trump administration's policies as their highest concern, second only to the 44% who named the cost of living.
Hilton's campaign has focused on economic issues, proposing measures such as tax cuts and aiming to lower gas prices. However, a Republican candidate faces significant challenges in the heavily Democratic state. "The difficult thing is that Steve Hilton’s a Republican in California," Tim Rosales, a Republican strategist, told the Los Angeles Times. "Democrats understand the cost of living, and they feel it. They just feel like they need a new Democrat to deal with it."
Political analysts suggest that the Democratic advantage in California is substantial, with many voters prioritizing a blow against Trump's influence, especially as 2026 is shaping up to be a strong Democratic year nationally. "With 2026 shaping up to be a strong Democratic year nationally, the headwinds facing Hilton in Democratic-leaning California are even stronger than usual," said Eric Schickler, director of the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies.
The poll also revealed that over half of likely voters not registered with either major party are supporting Becerra, while Hilton holds 30% of this demographic. The two candidates are scheduled to participate in a nationally televised debate on September 30, hosted by CNN in Burbank.