Two Republicans Lead California Governor Race in Polling

Sheriff Chad Bianco says 'Democrat policy is indefensible' as GOP candidates top California governor polling

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

According to a New York Post report, California Democrats are reportedly panicking over the possibility that the state's jungle primary system could send two Republicans to the November ballot for governor. Polling cited by the Post shows former Fox News host Steve Hilton leading with 17% support, followed by Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco at 14%. Bianco disputed claims by former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa that the notion of two Republicans advancing is 'poppycock', saying 'California is looking for change' and that is why voters are looking at him to be the next governor.

Why it matters

California's top-two primary system, where the top two vote-getters regardless of party advance to the general election, has raised concerns among Democrats that vote-splitting among multiple candidates could allow Republicans to capture both spots, potentially putting a Republican in the governor's office for the first time since Arnold Schwarzenegger left in 2011.

The details

Polling cited by the New York Post shows former Fox News host Steve Hilton leading the crowded field with 17% support, followed by Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco at 14%. Democratic candidates Rep. Eric Swalwell and former Rep. Katie Porter polled at 14% and 12% respectively, while billionaire Tom Steyer came in at 9%. Democratic lawmakers are reportedly warning that the 'uninspiring' field of candidates could split the vote, allowing Republicans to advance to the general election.

  • The New York Post report was published on February 21, 2026.
  • California Democrats are gathering this weekend in San Francisco for their state party convention, where candidates are expected to make their case to party activists ahead of the June primary.

The players

Chad Bianco

Riverside County Sheriff who is running for California governor and is currently polling at 14% support.

Steve Hilton

Former Fox News host who is leading the crowded California governor race with 17% support in the polling.

Eric Swalwell

Democratic Congressman from California who is polling at 14% in the governor's race.

Katie Porter

Former Democratic Congresswoman from California who is polling at 12% in the governor's race.

Tom Steyer

Billionaire who is polling at 9% in the California governor's race.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The notion that two Republicans can win [the primary] is poppycock.”

— Antonio Villaraigosa, Former Los Angeles Mayor (New York Post)

“California is looking for change. They are looking for honesty, integrity, transparency, and leadership. And that is why they're looking at me to be their next governor.”

— Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

The California Democratic Party convention this weekend in San Francisco is expected to be a key event where gubernatorial candidates make their case to party activists ahead of the June primary.

The takeaway

The possibility of two Republicans advancing to the general election in California's governor race has raised concerns among Democrats, who fear vote-splitting among their candidates could allow the GOP to capture both top spots. However, Sheriff Chad Bianco believes voters are looking for change and integrity, which is why he believes he can be successful as a Republican candidate.