Today, the California Democratic Party (CADEM) released an updated tracking poll from the California VOTER Index on the California Governor’s race. This 1,200 sample tracking survey was conducted by EVITARUS Research from April 30-May 2.
“Voters will start receiving their ballots today and will begin voting,” said CADEM Chair Rusty Hicks. “Today’s VOTER Index results show movement in the race and progress towards ensuring a strong Democrat is elected the next Governor of California.”
Results show Democrat Xavier Becerra tied with Republican Steve Hilton at the top of the poll, each with 18% support. The number of undecided voters has dropped from 24% in March to 14%, a clear sign that voters are now paying attention.
Today’s topline survey results show:
- Steve Hilton (R) – 18%
- Xavier Becerra (D) – 18%
- Chad Bianco (R) -14%
- Tom Steyer (D) – 12%
- Katie Porter (D) – 8%
- Matt Mahan (D) – 7%
- Antonio Villaraigosa (D) – 2%
- Tony Thurmond (D) – 1%
- Betty Yee (D) – 1%
- Eric Swalwell (D) – 1%
The survey of likely June 2026 voters was conducted online and via phone by EVITARUS – the only Black- and Latina-led full-service public opinion research firm in California.
Three previous California VOTER Index releases include a March 24 baseline poll and tracking surveys released on April 7 and April 23, with these previous polls showing two Republicans in the lead with multiple Democrats trailing behind.
The surveys included each candidate’s official ballot designation and party affiliation. In addition, oversamples were completed for Latino, Black and Asian-American voters to avoid small sample sizes and ensure clarity in data results.
To ensure candidates, supporters, media, and voters have a clear understanding of the current state of the race, updated tracking surveys will be released on a regular basis through early May.
Candidates for Governor and their supporters are now fully ramping up their campaigns, voters are now paying attention and will be voting, and we expect additional movement in the coming weeks.
The California VOTER Index follows an open letter sent by Chair Rusty Hicks to Democratic candidates for Governor, including those who subsequently filed for the Primary Election ballot.
CADEM launched the California VOTER Index to help all candidates honestly assess their viable path to win.
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The California Democratic Party (CADEM) is the nation’s largest state Democratic Party, representing 10 million Democrats. CADEM leads year-round grassroots organizing efforts across the state to elect Democrats up and down the ballot, and also runs the oldest and most robust voter protection program in the country.
