A recent Emerson College Polling survey shows Republican Steve Hilton leading the race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom with 17% support among likely primary voters. Democrats Tom Steyer, Xavier Becerra, and Katie Porter trail closely, while nearly one in four voters remains undecided. The poll comes days after Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign amid sexual assault allegations.
The Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics survey of 1,000 likely California primary voters places Steve Hilton at 17%, followed by Chad Bianco at 14.4% and Tom Steyer at 14.1%. Xavier Becerra stands at 10.4%, Katie Porter at 10.3%, and Matt Mahan at 5.4%. Former officials Betty Yee, Tony Thurmond, and Antonio Villaraigosa each have 3% or less, with 24% undecided, according to Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling. He noted that among Democrats, Steyer leads at 20%, Becerra at 19%, and Porter at 15%, with Becerra gaining 15 points since Swalwell's exit from the race. Republicans are split, with 48% backing Hilton and 40% Bianco despite President Trump's endorsement of Bianco. More than 40% of voters cited the economy as California's top issue, amid reports of record low quality of life in Los Angeles County from a UCLA survey. Independents are divided, with Steyer at 16%, Hilton at 15%, Bianco at 14%, and Porter at 10% support. This is the first major poll since Swalwell suspended his gubernatorial bid and resigned from Congress following multiple sexual assault accusations. On Tuesday, model Lonna Drewes, the fifth woman to accuse him, alleged at a Beverly Hills press conference that Swalwell drugged her drink, raped her, and choked her in Southern California. 'He raped me, and he choked me. And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness,' Drewes said. 'And I thought I died. I did not consent to any sexual activity.' The Manhattan and Los Angeles district attorneys' offices have opened investigations. Swalwell's attorney, Sara Azari, stated he 'categorically and unequivocally denies' all allegations, calling them 'false, fabricated, and deeply offensive – a calculated and transparent political hit job.' Swalwell's name remains on the June 2 primary ballot under California's jungle primary system, where the top two advance to November regardless of party.
