Xavier Becerra, once a member of President Biden’s Cabinet, remains a frontrunner in California’s gubernatorial race despite significant headwinds. A new poll from the California Democratic Party reveals that Becerra, who served in Congress and as the state’s attorney general, garners 21% support among likely voters. This number puts him ahead of self-funding billionaire Tom Steyer, who trails with 15%.
Steyer has unleashed a torrent of advertisements criticizing Becerra’s record and his political donations from major corporations, notably the oil giant Chevron. The intensity of this negative campaign might lead one to expect a shift in voter sentiment, yet it appears to have little impact on Becerra’s standing. He credits his poll numbers to voters’ demand for a trustworthy candidate. “They’re looking closely at who’s out there,” Becerra stated, suggesting a desire among Californians for a candidate prepared to lead immediately. He further emphasized his readiness to lead without the need for “training wheels.”
Interestingly, Becerra noted that Steyer’s strategy has not resonated with voters. “California voters are not anxious to have someone who wants to buy the office,” he remarked, highlighting the skepticism surrounding Steyer’s substantial spending despite its intensity.
On the Republican side, former Fox News host Steve Hilton leads the charge with 22% support, upending a previous near tie with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who is polling at 10%. Hilton claims that his poll numbers reflect the enthusiasm he has encountered on his campaign trail. With a key endorsement from former President Donald Trump boosting his profile, Hilton has shifted his focus to rallying Republican voters. He warned against complacency regarding polling data, cautioning against the peril of splitting the Republican vote in the primary.
“Only one of us can make the top two,” Hilton declared, underscoring the importance of strategic voting in California’s top-two primary system. He contends that the stakes are high, stressing the critical nature of this election for voters seeking genuine change.
This race illustrates the dynamics of California’s political landscape, where established figures like Becerra face challenges from wealthy newcomers like Steyer, and where party loyalty is constantly tested by the complicated primary system. As Becerra and Hilton cruise forward, it remains to be seen how these strategies will fold into the narrative leading up to the election.
"*" indicates required fields
