Poll Shows Republicans Leading California Governor Race Amid Divided Democratic Field

With California Gov. Gavin Newsom termed out and unable to seek reelection, this year's race for governor appears to be wide open.

According to a newly released poll, with Newsom out of the picture, Republicans could have a serious shot at winning the election. The survey shows Republican candidate Steve Hilton would come out on top if the state's gubernatorial primary were held today.

The last time the Republican Party held California's governorship was between 2003 and 2011, when actor-turned-politician Arnold Schwarzenegger served in the role. Fifteen years later, Democrats risk losing the seat to Republicans, who have only two candidates leading ahead of the primaries.

Under California's top-two primary system, the two candidates with the most votes advance to the general election in November, regardless of party. With a crowded Democratic field potentially splitting the vote and only two Republican front-runners dividing GOP support, experts warn the possibility of Democrats being shut out of the final ballot is real.

According to a poll conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California and highlighted by Border Report, two of the top three candidates are Republicans: Hilton, a political radio commentator and contributor for Fox News Channel, and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. Former U.S. Representative and Democratic candidate Katie Porter ranks second. The top five candidates in the poll are separated by just five points, suggesting the race remains a contested one.

• Gavin Newsom Slams Trump Admin Over Inability To Help U.S. Citizens Depart Israel During War With Iran: 'Global Failure'
• Gavin Newsom Celebrates Removal Of Greg Bovino As Border Patrol's 'Commander At Large': 'Gestapo Greg Is Out'

As noted by Border Report, California's open primary is scheduled for June 2 and it will determine the top two candidates who will advance to the general election on Nov. 3.

With so many Democrats competing and potentially splitting the vote, California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks wrote an open letter to Democratic hopefuls seeking to succeed Newsom, asking them to reconsider their campaigns if they do not have a "viable path to the general election."

"If you do not have a viable path to make it to the General Election, do not file to place your name on the ballot for the Primary Election," Hicks wrote. "If you decide to file, be prepared to suspend your campaign and endorse another candidate on or before April 15 if your campaign cannot show meaningful progress toward winning the Primary Election in the coming weeks."

According to Hicks, the state is running the risk of "locking out" a Democrat from the governor's race and urged candidates to reconsider remaining in the race if they do not have enough support to compete for the position.

"I believe it starts with a candid assessment of the political landscape around you, an honest reflection on your viability to win the race, and the courage to make a tough choice. I know you are committed to doing what's required in this historic moment. I certainly know I am and California Democrats are too," the letter read.

According to the PPIC poll, most Republicans support the two Republican candidates, with each receiving more than 30% of the vote among those polled. In contrast, only about half of Democrats support their top three candidates, with Porter emerging as the strongest Democratic contender with 19% of the vote.

As of March 5, 13 Democrats remained in the race for governor of California, including former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; Betty Yee, former state controller and former vice chair of the California Democratic Party; and Tony Thurmond, the state's superintendent of public instruction. All of whom received less than 5% in the PPIC poll, as noted by Border Report.

• Inmate Deaths in L.A. County Jails Continue in 2026: 9 Reported So Far This Year

© 2025 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.