Xavier Becerra has opened a clear lead over his rivals in the California governor’s race, according to a new Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) survey, strengthening his position ahead of the final stretch of the primary contest.
The mid-May poll shows Becerra leading the field with 23 percent support, while Republican Steve Hilton follows closely with 20 percent. Democratic contender Tom Steyer trails in third place with 15 percent.
The figures suggest Becerra and Hilton have begun to pull away from the rest of the pack as the race tightens.
“He’s in a very strong position now,” said PPIC Statewide Survey Director Mark Baldassare. “If there are two Democrats, we’ll see what happens, but if it’s a Democrat and a Republican, we know what the voter registration shows in California.”
Barring a major shift, the current numbers indicate Becerra could be on course to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, given California’s strong Democratic voter base.
Steyer’s campaign, however, rejected the findings, arguing that the poll did not reflect more recent campaigning efforts. His team said he had intensified attacks on Becerra in recent weeks, including ads focused on alleged ties to the oil industry.
Concerns within the Democratic Party about a possible Republican-heavy general election field appear to be easing, as the data now points to at least one major Democratic candidate advancing.
While a potential Becerra–Hilton matchup could reduce uncertainty in the governor’s race, the poll suggests several ballot initiatives may generate more competitive battles.
A proposed one-time wealth tax targeting California billionaires currently leads with 54 percent support to 45 percent opposition, according to PPIC. However, analysts warn that well-funded opposition campaigns from wealthy individuals could shift public opinion before the vote.
A separate Republican-backed proposal requiring voter identification at polling stations is facing tougher odds, with only 49 percent support. The measure is opposed by 71 percent of Democrats and 58 percent of independent voters, with critics linking it to broader national Republican voting policies.
Neither initiative has officially qualified for the November ballot, though both are expected to make it through once signature verification is completed.
Despite political debate over California’s electoral system, the poll also found that 59 percent of residents support the state’s top-two primary format, where the two highest vote-getters advance regardless of party affiliation.
