Xavier Becerra, the Democratic candidate for California governor with roots in Tijuana, is holding a wider lead over Steve Hilton in the race, according to the latest survey from UC Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies.
The poll puts Becerra at 58% among likely voters, compared with 33% for Hilton. That gives the Democratic candidate a 25-point margin and marks a seven-point increase from the difference recorded in Berkeley’s August survey.
The new numbers also come as another California poll released in September showed a similar gap between the two candidates.
Two September Surveys Show Becerra Ahead
The Public Policy Institute of California conducted its survey between September 4 and 10. Becerra received 60% support among likely voters in that poll, while Hilton registered 38%.
The PPIC survey found particularly strong support for Becerra among Democrats, where he received 93%. He also had 57% support among independent voters.
Across the groups examined in that survey (including age, education, gender, homeownership, income and the state’s major regions) Becerra also registered higher support than Hilton.
Favorability Gives Another Look at the Race
Beyond asking voters who they support, the UC Berkeley survey measured how they view each candidate.
Becerra’s favorability stood at 48%, while 40% of likely voters held an unfavorable opinion of him.
Hilton was viewed favorably by 35% of respondents and unfavorably by 51%.
Becerra is a Democratic candidate with roots in Tijuana. His previous positions include serving as secretary of Health and Human Services during the Biden administration and California attorney general for four years. He also completed 12 terms on the House Ways and Means Committee.
