<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/xavier-becerra/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Xavier Becerra</a> leads in <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/california/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">California’s</a> gubernatorial race, but voter enthusiasm appears limited.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Becerra, former health secretary under <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/joe-biden/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">President Joe Biden</a>, holds an 18-point lead over Republican candidate <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/state/4686933/hilton-gains-ground-august-survey-california-governor-race-becerra-still-leading/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Steve Hilton</a>, with 54% of likely voters supporting him compared to 36% for Hilton, according to a recent <em>Politico</em>-UC Berkeley Citrin Center for Public Opinion Research poll.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="Xavier Becerra, left, and Steve Hilton, right." class="wp-image-4590514" height="467" src="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/becerra-hilton-collage-e1780364133947.jpg?1780397088&w=696&1780397088" width="700" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Xavier Becerra, left, and Steve Hilton, right. (AP Photos)</figcaption></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, only 44% of likely voters view Becerra favorably, indicating that his lead may be influenced by California’s Democratic majority rather than widespread support for him.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Among Democrats and Democratic-leaning voters, 18% view Becerra unfavorably.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Jon Cohen, founder and CEO of TrueDot, which conducted the poll, stated, “This is rather tepid, even among Democrats.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Becerra’s lead follows a challenging primary campaign where he faced significant criticism from opponents, including billionaire Tom Steyer. He had low polling numbers until gaining traction after the exit of Eric Swalwell from the race due to allegations of misconduct.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Becerra is viewed as the establishment candidate, contrasting with a primary filled with newcomers and controversy.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">At 68, Becerra has extensive public service experience, including roles in the California Assembly, Congress, as California attorney general, and in Biden's Cabinet.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Despite his experience, Becerra has struggled to generate significant campaign momentum compared to Hilton.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hilton, a former adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron and ex-Fox News host, has actively campaigned across California, focusing on issues such as the cost of living, homelessness, crime, and healthcare for illegal immigrants.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hilton’s campaign events have been well-attended, while Becerra has been criticized for a low profile since the primary. Becerra has committed to participating in multiple debates leading up to the November 3 election, with a nationally televised debate scheduled for September 30.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Both candidates face favorability challenges; 55% of likely voters view Hilton unfavorably, compared to 44% for Becerra.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Overall dissatisfaction with California's political leadership is evident, with 53% of likely voters disapproving of Governor <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/gavin-newsom/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gavin Newsom</a> and 68% disapproving of <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/president-donald-trump/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">President Donald Trump</a>.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Jack Citrin, a political science professor at UC Berkeley and co-director of the poll, noted, “There are no heroes out there,” reflecting a general mistrust of politicians.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Another recent poll from the Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies indicated that 48% of likely voters view Becerra favorably, while 40% view him unfavorably, showing Becerra leading Hilton 58% to 33% in that survey.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The contrasting poll results highlight that while Becerra is in a strong position, his personal popularity does not match his lead over Hilton.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hilton’s challenge lies in converting voter dissatisfaction into support for a Republican in a state that has not elected a Republican statewide since 2006. Becerra must work to transform his lead into genuine enthusiasm among voters.</p>