Fresno, CA (KMJ)  Could a British-born republican really become California’s next Governor?  If the latest poll is correct, it’s possible.

But, unless the GOP closes ranks and settles on one candidate sooner-than-later, the numbers will favor democrats.

Steve Hilton is leading the crowded field of candidates for the state’s top office in a new Emerson College Poll released Wednesday.

The survey has Hilton at 17%, followed by Rep. Eric Swalwell (D) at 14%, Sheriff Chad Bianco (R) at 14%, former Rep. Katie Porter (D) at 10%, and Tom Steyer (D) at 9%.

21% remain undecided.

Statement from Steve Hilton:

“Californians can see that it’s time for an outsider to shake up a system that obviously isn’t working. We’re building the only Republican campaign that can unite the party, bring in independents, and beat the Democrat machine in November.  “But there is a real danger that other Republican campaigns act as a spoiler, splitting the vote to allow two Democrats into the top two. That would be a total disaster, ending our chance for change in California. So now is the time for other Republicans to unite behind the Golden Ticket: Steve Hilton and his running mates Gloria Romero for Lieutenant Governor, Michael Gates for Attorney General, and Herb Morgan for State Controller. This is the strong, united team that will work to fight fraud and corruption through CAL DOGE, deal forcefully with crime, homelessness, and educational failure, and above all make our state Califordable.”

Termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom is underwater with California voters with a 44% approval and 45% disapproval.

More information on this week’s poll can be found on the Emerson College Polling website.