The race for the California governor’s office has been reset after disgraced former congressman Eric Swalwell abruptly withdrew from the campaign.
According to the latest Emerson poll, Republicans have maintained their lead and tied for second among all candidates, while a billionaire has surged to the top of the Democratic standings.
Republican Steve Hilton, the former Fox News host, now holds 17% support in the poll, with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco securing 14%.
Tom Steyer also gained traction, reaching 14% and becoming the leading Democratic candidate. Tied for fourth place at 10% each are former Representative Katie Porter and former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
Becerra saw the most significant boost from Swalwell’s departure, increasing his support by 7 percentage points, while other candidates gained 4 percentage points or less.
Hilton remarked: “Our lead is growing, momentum is building…time for Republicans to UNITE.”
The poll shows that 23% of respondents remain undecided. If a substantial portion of these voters choose one candidate, it could dramatically alter the race, as the top two vote-getters in the June 2 primary will advance to the general election.
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