Becerra Leads Tight California Governor Primary
Polls show Becerra ahead as candidates scramble before the June 2 jungle primary to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom.
ABC NewsHere are the top candidates for California governor in Tuesday's primary
USA TODAYXavier Becerra has big lead in CA governor race just ahead of primary
RedStateCalifornia Dems Cleared the Field for Becerra - but Steve Hilton Isn't Going Away
Washington TimesHere are the top candidates for California governor in Tuesday’s primary
Overview
An Emerson poll put Xavier Becerra at 28% support ahead of the June 2 primary.
California's June 2 jungle primary will list roughly 61 candidates on one ballot and send the top two finishers, regardless of party, to the November general election to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom.
President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican Steve Hilton, boosting his standing among Republican voters.
Mid-to-late May polls showed Becerra roughly 23% to 28%, Hilton roughly 20%, and Tom Steyer roughly 15% to 22%, pollsters said.
The June 2 outcome will determine which two candidates face off in November and may shape key congressional contests under newly redrawn districts, analysts said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the race around electability and establishment credibility, using loaded descriptors (e.g., 'messiest and most consequential,' 'billionaire,' 'stoked national notoriety'). Editorial choices prioritize Democratic contenders and controversies while presenting candidate pledges and legal details as source content, tilting coverage toward pragmatic, centrist governance concerns.