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Steve Hilton Leads California Governor Primary in New Emerson Poll

A large undecided bloc keeps the top-two race fluid in a fragmented field.

Overview

  • The Feb. 13–14 Emerson College/Inside California Politics survey of 1,000 likely voters (±3) finds Hilton at 17%, Eric Swalwell and Sheriff Chad Bianco tied at 14%, Katie Porter at 10%, Tom Steyer at 9%, and 21% undecided.
  • Since December, support shifted with Hilton and Steyer up five points, Swalwell up two, and Porter down one, according to Emerson.
  • Republican voters split nearly evenly between Hilton (38%) and Bianco (37%), Hilton leads independents with 22%, and Democratic voters have not coalesced around a single candidate.
  • Voters rank the economy as the top issue at 37% and 53% say they have considered leaving California due to cost of living; Gov. Gavin Newsom’s approval stands at 44% approve and 45% disapprove.
  • Reports say Hilton has raised nearly $6 million in donations as Steyer heavily self-funds, and the top-two primary is scheduled for June 2 with the general election on Nov. 5.