California governor’s race on a knife edge as dark horse surges and ballots hit mailboxes
The California gubernatorial race is tightening as former Health and Human Services chief Xavier Becerra surges in the polls, tying with Republican Steve Hilton at 18%. Mail-in ballots have begun arriving, increasing pressure on candidates to sway voters ahead of the June 2 primary. Undecided voters have dropped significantly, from 24% in March to 14%, indicating growing engagement in the race.
- ▪Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton are tied for first place with 18% each in a poll conducted April 30 to May 2.
- ▪Mail-in ballots were sent out across California on May 4, ahead of the June 2 election date.
- ▪Undecided voters dropped from 24% in March to 14% by early May.
- ▪Becerra's rise has eased Democratic fears that two Republicans could advance to the general election.
- ▪Tom Steyer, Katie Porter, and Matt Mahan trail with 12%, 8%, and 7% support respectively.
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Politics California governor’s race on a knife edge as dark horse surges and ballots hit mailboxes By Titus Wu Published May 4, 2026, 4:09 p.m. ET The California gubernatorial race is gearing up with more Democrat-on-Democrat onslaught as the competition enters into a critical final stretch, according to a new poll released Monday. The biggest target of the field of six Democratic candidates is former Health and Human Services chief Xavier Becerra, who has surged into the lead at 18% despite a barrage of ads directed at him. Becerra is tied for first with Trump-endorsed Republican Steve Hilton, according to the poll funded by the California Democratic Party. The poll was conducted April 30 to May 2. 3 Candidate for Governor of California Xavier Becerra.
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