Xavier Becerra has big lead in CA governor race just ahead of primary
WASHINGTON — Democratic front-runner Xavier Becerra made a significant difference in California’s race for governor just days ago. June 2 primariesaccording to a Closely watched new survey That said, the fight for second place is actually a mess.
Becerra, the former California attorney general and U.S. Health and Human Services secretary in the Biden administration, currently leads among likely voters with 28% support; The latest and last is the Emerson College Poll/Inside California Politics survey published May 30 shows.
That’s a sharp increase from previous polls for Becerra and puts him well ahead of fellow Democrat Tom Steyer at 22% and Republican conservative commentator Steve Hilton at 21% in the tight race.
Becerra aims to become California’s first elected Latino governor since the late 19th century, replacing current Gov. Gavin Newsom, who was ousted in January. Rusty Hicks, chairman of the California Democratic Party, told USA TODAY earlier this month that he was impressed by Becerra’s rise.
Becerra’s candidacy was on shaky ground earlier this year. repeatedly single digit votingThat was until former California Congressman Eric Swalwell dropped out of the governor’s race in April amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct (which he denies).
Since the last Emerson survey mid mayBecerra’s support is up 9%, Steyer’s support is up 5%, Hilton’s support is up 4% and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco’s support is up 1%. Support for Democrats Katie Porter and Matt Mahan fell 5% and 3%, respectively.
A new statewide poll released May 27 by the Public Policy Institute of California also showed Becerra steadily rising.
In that poll, Beccera leads the field with 23% of the vote, followed by Hilton with 20% and progressive billionaire entrepreneur and climate activist Steyer with a 15% lead in the state’s nonpartisan, or “jungle,” primary.
The two people who receive the most votes, regardless of party affiliation, will participate in the general elections in November. Hilton, a former Fox News contributor It was approved by President Donald Trump.
Becerra also served in Congress for more than two decades and represented California in the House of Representatives from 1993 to 2017.
The third survey recently conducted by Echelon InsightsThe sponsor of the poll, released May 22, showed Hilton leading the field in the race with 25% of voters.
Becerra ahead but race for second place still in trouble
Emerson’s poll had shown Becerra tied with Hilton at 19%, with Steyer close behind at 17% just two weeks ago.
Emerson surveyed 1,000 likely voters May 27–28 and reported a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points; This means Steyer and Hilton are effectively tied, with 4% of those polled still undecided.
When undecided voters were asked who they would support, Becerra’s support remained at 28 percent, while Hilton and Steyer received 23 percent.
That means Steyer and Hilton have paths to advance into the November general election, said Spencer Kimball, managing director of Emerson College Polling.
“If Chad Bianco’s support wanes by Election Day, Hilton is in a position to benefit,” Kimball said. “Steyer’s path to a runoff depends on limiting further gains by Becerra, whose growing coalition could draw support from Steyer while mobilizing young voters.”
This article first appeared on USA TODAY: Xavier Becerra storms ahead of the crowd in the CA gubernatorial primary
