California Governor Race: Anti-Trump Sentiment Outranks Affordability Concerns for Becerra Voters, Poll Finds

Voters supporting California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra are more likely to prioritize combating Trump administration policies over addressing the state's affordability crisis, according to a recent poll. The survey found that 62% of Becerra's supporters identified fighting Trump's policies as a top election concern, compared to 33% who cited reducing the cost of living.

These findings suggest that opposition to the current presidential administration remains a stronger driving force for Becerra's base than the economic pressures facing Californians. The poll indicates that Republican challenger Steve Hilton is struggling to gain traction days before the election.

Becerra holds a substantial lead over Hilton, 61% to 34%, with 5% of likely voters undecided. This represents a slight increase from a 25-point advantage recorded in September. The poll allowed respondents to select up to two primary election issues, meaning that fighting Trump's policies and addressing affordability were not mutually exclusive choices for voters.

The survey results align with previous findings that highlight voter dissatisfaction with the state's direction, as a significant portion of Californians have considered leaving the state in recent years due to cost of living concerns.

Among Becerra supporters, other key issues included ensuring Democratic control of Congress, cited by 29%, protecting immigrant communities at 14%, and improving healthcare access at 13%. Lowering taxes was a priority for only 3% of Becerra voters, while 4% focused on fighting crime and public safety.

Supporters of Steve Hilton, however, prioritized different issues. Reducing taxes was their top concern at 49%, followed by immigration enforcement at 41% and public safety at 36%. The cost of living was a concern for 34% of Hilton's supporters.

Notably, only 2% of Hilton's voters listed combating Trump administration policies as a priority.

The poll underscores the partisan landscape in California, where Democratic registrants significantly outnumber Republicans. Both Becerra and Hilton secured overwhelming support from their respective party's voters, with 94% of each candidate's base voting for them. However, Becerra also demonstrated strength among independent and third-party voters, leading Hilton 59% to 31% in this demographic.

Becerra shows strong support across various regions and demographics within the state. His most significant lead was observed in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he led 72% to 23%. Hilton's closest showing was in Orange County, where he trailed Becerra by a narrow margin of 50% to 49%.

The poll, conducted between October 19-25 among 2,787 registered voters, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. The majority of likely voters, 71%, anticipate a Becerra victory, with only 16% predicting a win for Hilton.

Becerra's favorable rating has risen to 53%, an increase from 48% in September, while Hilton's favorable rating stands at 34%, with 56% viewing him unfavorably.