Key Takeaways from Latest CA Governor Polling: Steyer and Becerra Gaining Steam

Swalwell's exit reshuffles the Democratic field as Hilton and Bianco maintain Republican lead.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:37pm

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A vibrant, abstract painting of a California state capitol building rendered in overlapping, geometric brushstrokes of deep blue, golden yellow, and crimson red, conveying the energy and tension of the gubernatorial election.The California governor's race heats up as new polling shows shifting dynamics among the candidates vying for the state's highest office.Los Angeles Today

The latest Emerson College poll on the California gubernatorial election shows some shifting dynamics since Eric Swalwell dropped out of the race. While Republican candidates Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco remain in the lead, Democrats Tom Steyer and Xavier Becerra have gained momentum, tying for second place. The economy, housing affordability, and threats to democracy are the top issues for California voters.

Why it matters

The California governor's race is a closely watched contest that could have significant implications for the state's political landscape. With Swalwell's departure, the Democratic field has become more competitive, potentially setting up a tight battle between the Republican and Democratic nominees in the general election.

The details

According to the Emerson College poll, former Fox News host Steve Hilton continues to lead the Republican field with 17% of support from registered likely voters. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco is in second place among Republicans with 14% support. On the Democratic side, billionaire Tom Steyer and former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra have both gained ground, each garnering 14% and 10% support, respectively. Becerra's support has increased by 15% since Swalwell's departure. The top issues for California voters are the economy (41%), housing affordability (20%), and threats to democracy (10%).

  • The Emerson College poll was conducted after Eric Swalwell dropped out of the California governor's race.

The players

Steve Hilton

The former Fox News host is maintaining his stronghold among Republican voters, leading the field with 17% support.

Chad Bianco

The Riverside County Sheriff is in second place among Republicans with 14% support, tied with Democrat Tom Steyer.

Tom Steyer

The billionaire entrepreneur has gained momentum, tying for second place with 14% support, and leading among Democratic voters with 20% support.

Xavier Becerra

The former Health Secretary and former California State Attorney has also gained ground, tying for fourth place with 10% support, and gaining 15% support since Swalwell's departure.

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What they’re saying

“With so many Democratic candidates splitting up votes, two Republican candidates, Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco, could head to the November run-off.”

— Conan Nolan, NBC4 News Reporter

What’s next

The next major event in the California governor's race will be the primary election, where voters will determine the top two candidates who will advance to the general election in November.

The takeaway

The California governor's race has become more competitive since Eric Swalwell's departure, with Democrats Tom Steyer and Xavier Becerra gaining ground and potentially setting up a tight battle between the Republican and Democratic nominees in the general election. The economy, housing affordability, and threats to democracy remain the top issues for California voters.