Republican candidate Steve Hilton has edged narrowly ahead of Democrat Katie Porter in California’s latest gubernatorial poll from Emerson College, marking a notable shift in the race to replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom, Newsweek reported.
The survey, conducted Oct. 20–21, shows Hilton at 16% and Porter at 15%, within the poll’s 3.2-point margin of error.
Hilton, a former Fox News host, told Newsweek that “everyone can see we need change, and some political balance in California.”
Porter’s campaign, meanwhile, emphasized her record and grassroots support, calling her a “battle-tested fighter.”
The poll follows a rough month for Porter, who faced backlash after a viral interview clip and a resurfaced 2021 video showing her cursing at a staffer.
Other candidates trail in single digits, including Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco (11%). California’s jungle primary is set for June 2, 2026, with the general election following on Nov. 3.