A new CBS News/YouGov poll released this week shows Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and Silicon Valley entrepreneur, holding a slim lead in California's wide-open 2026 gubernatorial primary. Among 1,479 registered voters surveyed April 23-27 and weighted to likely primary voters, Hilton drew 16% support. Democrat Tom Steyer followed closely at 15%, with former U.S. Attorney General Xavier Becerra at 13%, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco at 10%, and former Rep. Katie Porter at 9%. Other Democrats, including Matt Mahan at 4% and Antonio Villaraigosa at 4%, trailed further, while 26% of respondents remained undecided. The poll carries a margin of error of about 4 points.

California's June 2 primary elects the top two vote-getters to the November general election regardless of party, heightening concerns among Democrats that a divided field could allow two Republicans to advance. Democratic voters outnumber Republicans significantly, but no Democrat has consolidated support. Republicans, meanwhile, largely back Hilton or Bianco, with Hilton leading his party at around 48% in a prior survey.

The race follows Gov. Gavin Newsom's decision to honor term limits. Hilton, a British-born conservative commentator who hosted "The Next Revolution" on Fox News until 2020, launched his campaign emphasizing lower taxes, cheaper housing, and support for small businesses. President Donald Trump endorsed Hilton earlier this year, boosting his profile among GOP voters. Bianco, a Trump ally, has campaigned on law enforcement and border security.

On the Democratic side, billionaire environmentalist Steyer self-funded much of his bid, while Becerra gained ground after Rep. Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign around April 16. An Emerson College poll conducted April 14-15 shortly after showed Hilton at 17%, Bianco and Steyer tied at 14%, Becerra and Porter at 10% each, and 23% undecided among 1,000 likely voters. Voters cited the economy as the top issue at 41%.

The CBS poll came after a KRON4 debate on April 22 featuring eight candidates and amid shifting dynamics. Undecided voters exceed any candidate's support, signaling potential volatility before the primary. Recent trackers, including those from the New York Times, confirm Hilton's position atop several surveys, though Democratic-leaning polls show Becerra leading.