Current polling shows close race
A California Democratic Party poll released May 4 found Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra tied at 18% support among likely voters. A separate SurveyUSA poll from May 4 showed Hilton at 20% with Tom Steyer at 18%. Chad Bianco and Xavier Becerra are the only other candidates receiving double-digit support in recent surveys.
Becerra's dramatic rise
Xavier Becerra, the former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under Joe Biden, has surged to the top of the crowded Democratic field following Eric Swalwell's sudden withdrawal from the race amid allegations. This represents a remarkable turnaround after months of languishing at the bottom of polls. Becerra is positioning himself as California's health care governor and emphasizing his middle-class background to differentiate himself from billionaire Tom Steyer.
Republican competition
Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and former adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron, has received endorsement from President Donald Trump. He is focused on reducing taxes and has blamed Democrats for high housing costs and gas prices in California. Chad Bianco, the sheriff of Riverside County, is making public safety the centerpiece of his campaign.
Democratic field fragmentation easing
Concerns among Democrats that a fractured field might allow two Republicans to advance in the jungle primary have eased as undecided voters have shrunk from 24% in early April to 14%. Becerra has been endorsed by labor activist Dolores Huerta, while Tom Steyer has received backing from former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown. The SEIU California has endorsed both Steyer and Becerra.
Debate schedule and timeline
Seven candidates participated in CNN's California gubernatorial debate on May 5, 2026. Another debate hosted by NBC4/KNBC and Telemundo 52/KVEA was scheduled for May 6 at 7 p.m. PDT. The primary election takes place June 2, with the general election following on November 3. Early voting is already underway with mail-in ballots being distributed. 
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