ABC 10News Poll: Steyer leads crowded California gubernatorial race

Steyer, Hilton top candidates as Californians cite cost of living as biggest issue

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:39pm

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A vibrant, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and waves of color, conceptually representing the dynamic and uncertain nature of California's gubernatorial race.A dynamic, fractured illustration captures the energy and uncertainty of California's gubernatorial race as voters weigh key issues like the cost of living and the state's relationship with the federal government.San Diego Today

A new ABC 10News poll with the San Diego Union-Tribune and SurveyUSA shows Democrat Tom Steyer leading the crowded California gubernatorial race with 21% of the vote, followed by Republican Steve Hilton at 18%. The poll also found that 42% of respondents see the cost of living as the biggest issue facing the state, with homelessness, immigration, and housing also ranking high among concerns.

Why it matters

The California gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a closely watched contest, with a diverse field of candidates vying to lead the nation's most populous state. The poll results provide valuable insights into the priorities and preferences of California voters as they prepare to head to the polls.

The details

The KGTV/San Diego Union-Tribune poll, conducted by SurveyUSA, surveyed 1,200 adults from California between April 8-10, with an additional 670 adults surveyed specifically in San Diego County. The poll found that aside from Steyer, Republican candidate Steve Hilton is the second favorite, with 18% of the vote. Democrats Katie Porter and Republican Chad Bianco tied for third place, with Eric Swalwell also in the mix at 19% of the votes statewide and 10% in San Diego County. However, a significant portion of respondents, 23% in San Diego County, remain undecided.

  • The poll was conducted between April 8-10, 2026.
  • The primary election for California Governor is months away.

The players

Tom Steyer

A Democratic candidate for California Governor who is currently leading the crowded field with 21% of the vote.

Steve Hilton

A Republican candidate for California Governor who is in second place with 18% of the vote.

Katie Porter

A Democratic candidate for California Governor who is tied for third place.

Chad Bianco

A Republican candidate for California Governor who is tied for third place.

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic candidate for California Governor who is in the mix with 19% of the votes statewide and 10% in San Diego County, but has also faced sexual assault allegations.

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What’s next

The primary election for California Governor is still months away, and the field of candidates may continue to evolve as the campaign season progresses. Voters will be closely watching to see how the candidates address the key issues identified in the poll, such as the cost of living, homelessness, and immigration.

The takeaway

The ABC 10News poll provides a snapshot of the current state of the California gubernatorial race, highlighting the importance of issues like the cost of living and the desire among voters for the next governor to take a strong stance against the Trump administration. As the campaign season heats up, candidates will need to articulate clear and compelling visions for addressing the state's most pressing challenges.