The race remains wide open as two separate polls show a close contest among top candidates
California’s race for governor is getting more competitive, with two newly released polls showing no clear favorite as voters begin narrowing their choices.
Recent polling offers a look at the gubernatorial candidates’ standing, suggesting Republican Steve Hilton is emerging as one of the strongest contenders.
A SurveyUSA poll shows Hilton leading the field with 20% support. Democrat Tom Steyer follows closely at 18%, then Chad Bianco with 12% and Xavier Becerra at 10%.
Another survey, conducted by Evitarus for the California Democratic Party, paints an even picture. In that poll, Hilton and Becerra are tied at 18%, putting both candidates at the front of the race.
The numbers show a crowded and unsettled contest, though fewer voters now appear undecided. In the Evitarus poll, undecided voters dropped to 14%, down from 24% in a previous survey. SurveyUSA found 17% of voters still undecided.
Poll breakdown:
SurveyUSA
Steve Hilton: 20%
Tom Steyer: 18%
Chad Bianco: 12%
Xavier Becerra: 10%
Undecided: 17%
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Evitarus / California Democratic Party
Steve Hilton: 18%
Xavier Becerra: 18%
Undecided: 14%
The latest polling indicates that the race to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2026 remains wide open, but the field may be taking shape as more voters make up their minds.