California Governor Race Remains Tight as New Poll Shows Tight Ties

Five candidates are essentially tied in the latest California governor's race poll, with no clear Democratic front-runner emerging.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A new poll from the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) shows a tight race for California governor, with five candidates essentially tied at the top. Former Congressmember Katie Porter, a Democrat, has resurged in the polls and is now the top-polling Democrat, while Republican Steve Hilton remains the overall top choice. The poll also shows strong support for Democratic candidates Tom Steyer and Eric Swalwell, as well as Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. The race remains fluid, with many voters still undecided.

Why it matters

The California governor's race is a closely watched contest that could have national implications. With no clear front-runner emerging, the race remains wide open, and the outcome could significantly impact the state's political landscape and policy priorities.

The details

The PPIC poll surveyed over 1,000 likely California voters from February 3-11. It found that five candidates are essentially tied, with no candidate polling above 14%. Former Congressmember Katie Porter, a Democrat, has resurged and is now the top-polling Democrat at 13%. Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News contributor, remains the overall top choice at 14%. Other candidates include Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco (12%), Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell (11%), and Democrat billionaire Tom Steyer (10%). The poll also found strong support among independent "no party preference" voters for Porter, Hilton, and Steyer.

  • The PPIC poll was conducted from February 3-11, 2026.
  • The California Democratic Party convention took place over the previous weekend without an official endorsement.

The players

Katie Porter

A Democrat and former U.S. Congressmember who is now the top-polling Democrat in the California governor's race.

Steve Hilton

A Republican and former Fox News contributor who is the overall top choice in the latest poll.

Chad Bianco

A Republican and Riverside County sheriff who is polling in third place.

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic U.S. Representative who is polling in fourth place.

Tom Steyer

A Democratic billionaire who is polling in fifth place after investing $40 million of his own money into his campaign.

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What they’re saying

“California voters are fired up to elect a progressive candidate who will deliver single payer health care, stand up to Donald Trump, billionaires, and special interests, and tackle California's cost crisis.”

— Peter Opitz, Campaign spokesperson for Katie Porter (SFGATE)

“Right now, there is no clear favorite.”

— Mark Baldassare, Lead pollster at PPIC (SFGATE)

What’s next

The next PPIC poll, expected in the spring, will likely provide a clearer picture of the race as the candidate field potentially narrows.

The takeaway

With no clear front-runner and a wide-open field, the California governor's race remains highly competitive and fluid, reflecting the state's political diversity and the electorate's desire for a candidate who can address key issues like healthcare, the cost of living, and standing up to special interests.