Becerra Led Hilton in Recent California Gubernatorial Poll
Xavier Becerra holds a 5.6-point advantage over Steve Hilton following their first gubernatorial debate.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Do you believe California is currently headed in the right direction?
Xavier Becerra has secured 45.7 percent support among California voters compared to 40.1 percent for Steve Hilton. The findings emerge as voters weigh their options, with 14.1 percent remaining undecided in the race.
Why it matters
The poll reflects a state electorate where 58.8 percent of voters believe California is headed in the wrong direction, providing a challenging backdrop for candidates. These figures illustrate the current political sentiment as the campaign intensifies.
This poll of 1,020 California voters shows Xavier Becerra leads Steve Hilton by 5.6 points, with 14.1 percent of the electorate currently undecided. While Becerra holds a 44.1 percent favorable rating, 58.8 percent of voters believe the state is moving in the wrong direction.
The players
Xavier Becerra
He is a candidate for Governor of California currently leading in recent polling figures.
Steve Hilton
He is a candidate for Governor of California challenging for the state executive office.
David Wolfson
He is the pollster who conducted the survey of 1,020 California voters.
The details
The survey results followed the inaugural debate between the two gubernatorial hopefuls, an event observed by 11.2 percent of respondents. The data highlights a notable gap in favorability ratings, with Steve Hilton trailing at 35.5 percent compared to Becerra's 44.1 percent.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: Candidates participated in their first debate.
October 1-2, 2026: Pollster David Wolfson conducted the survey.
Political Context
The polling data follows the 2026 California gubernatorial debate, which remains the primary reference point for current voter engagement. This survey provides an early snapshot of shifts in candidate support, following a pattern where voter opinion often recalibrates after major televised appearances.
The poll highlights that 58.8 percent of Californians perceive the state as heading in the wrong direction, which may influence voter priorities on issues like local taxes and infrastructure. Voters should monitor how these candidate differences translate into specific policy proposals for the state budget.
The takeaway
The race remains fluid with a double-digit share of undecided voters and a clear preference divide among the electorate. Candidates will likely focus on addressing the widespread perception of poor state direction to sway the remaining undecided segment.
Further reading
For more on the campaign landscape, visit Elections.
Live Poll
Do you believe California is currently headed in the right direction?
