California Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra is leading the race for governor despite a record-breaking spending blitz from fellow Democrat Tom Steyer.
Becerra, the former California attorney general and Biden administration health secretary, and Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News contributor, sit atop a crowded field of candidates heading into next week’s California primary, according to new polling from the Public Policy Institute of California.
The survey found Becerra leading with 23% support, followed closely by Hilton at 20%. Steyer placed third with 15%, while Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco drew 13%, and former California Democratic Rep. Katie Porter secured 12%. No other candidate reached double digits.
The results come as Steyer, the former hedge fund manager turned left-wing activist, pours unprecedented sums of money into the race. According to advertising tracker AdImpact, Steyer has spent or reserved more than $195 million on broadcast television, cable, and radio advertising.
The massive ad buy is more than 20 times the amount spent by Becerra and has already surpassed the previous California gubernatorial spending record set by Republican Meg Whitman, who spent $178.5 million during her unsuccessful 2010 campaign.
California’s primary system differs from most states. Rather than separate party primaries, the state uses a “top-two” or “jungle” primary system in which all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of party affiliation. The two candidates receiving the most votes advance to the general election in November, even if they belong to the same party.
While the system often raises the possibility of two Democrats advancing in heavily blue California, recent polling suggests that outcome is becoming less likely.
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“Over the past two months, both Becerra and Hilton have consolidated support within their own respective parties,” Mark Baldassare, director of the PPIC Statewide Survey and Miller Chair in public policy, said. “Hilton has benefitted from President Trump’s endorsement, while Becerra appears to have drawn in many of Democrat Eric Swalwell’s voters after he suspended his campaign.”
The PPIC survey was conducted May 14-18 among 1,707 California adults, including 986 likely voters. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus of 4.1% for likely voters.