California Governor Race Tightens: Becerra Leads Hilton by 5.6 Points in GOP-Funded Poll

A new California poll shows Xavier Becerra leading Steve Hilton by 5.6 points, but the survey was funded by the Republican campaign, raising questions about its reliability. The race appears competitive, though the partisan funding of the poll introduces uncertainty about the true margin. This matters as California's gubernatorial election could signal broader political trends ahead of the 2026 midterms.