CBS News poll finds that California governor's race is still a wide ...
Ahead of Tuesday's debate in the California governor's race, it's still a wide-open contest, CBS News' latest poll finds. Tom Wait reports.
www.cbsnews.comHere are the latest reported poll developments in the 2026 California governor race:
Most recent headline poll finding
- A May 5 report says a California Democratic Party–commissioned EVITARUS Research poll finds Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton tied at 18% each, with undecided down to 14% and other candidates also in single/low double digits.[4]
Other recent polling snapshots
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A Feb. 25 PPIC-related report (as republished) says the race is tight, with five candidates essentially tied at the top; it reports Katie Porter rebounding to be top among Democrats, while Steve Hilton remains the overall top choice, and many voters remain undecided.[2]
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A Dec. 4 report (Emerson polling) described a change at the top in likely-voter support, including Eric Swalwell rising among Democrats and Katie Porter slipping slightly behind him in that poll.[1]
Quick context: why polls seem volatile
Several of the recent reports emphasize that the field has been fluid—with late campaign changes/departures and ballots moving through the jungle primary window, which can rapidly shift “top of the pack” results.[2][4]
If you tell me whether you want Dem vs GOP, who’s leading right now, or a specific candidate’s poll position (e.g., Becerra, Hilton, Porter, Steyer), I can summarize the most relevant poll numbers in that direction.