Gubernatorial Race Heats Up as Ballots Near, Voters Remain Divided in Crowded Field

Top candidates for California governor sparred over wealth, experience and race in a fiery debate held in San Francisco, as the state’s June 2 primary approaches and voters remain deeply divided in a crowded field.

The debate took place at a critical moment in the gubernatorial race, with ballots set to begin arriving in mailboxes in less than two weeks. Voters are split among a large number of candidates seeking to succeed the incumbent governor.

According to a recent Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics survey conducted April 14–15 among 1,000 likely primary voters, Republican Steve Hilton leads the field with 17% support, followed closely by Republican Chad Bianco and Democrat Tom Steyer, each at 14%. Democrats Xavier Becerra and Katie Porter each received about 10% support, while Matt Mahan trailed with 5%. Another 23% of voters said they remain undecided.

The poll reflects a deeply divided electorate, with Democrats making up 50.2% of likely voters, compared to 26.6% Republicans and 23.2% independents or others. When asked about top issues, 41.1% of respondents cited the economy — including jobs, inflation and taxes — followed by housing affordability at 19.8% and threats to democracy at 9.7%.

The sample also reflects California’s diverse electorate, with 47.8% identifying as White, 30.8% as Hispanic or Latino, and 10% as Black. The poll has a credibility interval of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Former State Controller Betty Yee previously exited the race, citing concerns about the influence of wealthy candidates in the contest. In a social media post, she said she was not voting for billionaire Tom Steyer nor what she described as the “corporate Democrat” Xavier Becerra, adding that she was supporting the only progressive candidate in the race.

Earlier in the month, Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell withdrew from the governor’s race following assault allegations, further reshaping the dynamics of an already crowded field. His exit has heightened concerns among Democrats that the large number of candidates could split the vote and inadvertently advantage Republican contenders.

With the primary less than two weeks away, the race remains unsettled, as a significant share of voters say they have not yet made up their minds. The outcome could hinge on how undecided voters break in the final days of campaigning.