Xavier Becerra has extended his lead in California’s gubernatorial race, with a new poll showing 61% of likely voters backing the Democratic candidate compared to 34% for Republican Steve Hilton, according to a survey by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies and the Los Angeles Times.
The poll, conducted in late October, indicates Becerra’s support has grown since September, when he led by 25 percentage points. The increase reflects a shift in voter priorities, with 40% of likely voters now citing opposition to Trump administration policies as their top concern, up from 37% in mid-September. Reducing the cost of living remains a key issue for 34% of voters, though it has declined as a priority compared to earlier in the campaign.
Becerra, a former U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, congressman, and state attorney general, has consolidated Democratic support by emphasizing resistance to Trump, while Hilton’s campaign has struggled to gain traction among the state’s predominantly Democratic electorate. The poll’s director, Mark DiCamillo, noted that Becerra has avoided alienating any major faction within the Democratic Party, describing his approach as a strategy of uniting the party’s base through opposition to federal policies.
The survey also highlights that crime, job creation, public education, and healthcare—issues that dominated past elections—have receded in importance for voters this cycle. Instead, the race has centered on ideological contrasts, with Becerra positioning himself as a defender of progressive policies and Hilton advocating for a shift away from the state’s current governance.
Becerra has not yet outlined detailed plans for his potential administration beyond his stated support for existing policies, including the gas tax, mileage tax, and the high-speed rail project. His campaign has focused on rallying opposition to Trump rather than proposing new initiatives.
The poll’s findings suggest that Becerra’s path to victory is increasingly secure, though the margin of his lead may still evolve as Election Day approaches.