Fresh polling shows two Republican candidates leading the race to replace California Gov. Gavin Newsom, days after Democrats pushed former congressman Eric Swalwell to drop out.
Among 1,000 likely California primary voters, Republican Steve Hilton leads with 17%, with Republican Chad Bianco and Democrat Tom Steyer closely behind, 14.4% and 14.1%, respectively,<a href="https://emersoncollegepolling.com/california-2026-poll-april/"> according to a new Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics survey</a>. Democrat Xavier Becerra follows at 10.4%, Democrat Katie Porter at 10.3%, and Democrat Matt Mahan at 5.4%.
Former State Controller Betty Yee, State Schools Supt. Tony Thurmond, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa each registered 3% support or less. Almost one in four voters remains undecided.
In other words, it&#8217;s a wide-open race.
“In the first Emerson poll since Eric Swalwell’s departure from the race for Governor, Democrats now split their vote between Tom Steyer (20%), Xavier Becerra (19%), and Katie Porter (15%), with Becerra gaining 15 points among Democrats without Swalwell on the ballot,” Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said.
Despite President Trump&#8217;s endorsement, California Republicans remain split, with 48% supporting Hilton and 40% Bianco. More than 40% ranked the economy as the most important issue facing California.
The economic anxiety comes as residents of Los Angeles County — the most populous county in the United States — report a record low quality of life, according to an<a href="https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/los-angeles-county-residents-quality-of-life-satisfaction-all-time-low-year-11"> annual UCLA survey</a> published Wednesday.
Frustration with rising prices has left independents up for grabs: 16% support Steyer, 15% support Hilton, 14% back Bianco, and 10% favor Porter, according to the survey.
It’s the first high-quality poll of the crowded field since Swalwell suspended his campaign and resigned from Congress following a wave of sexual assault allegations.
A 5th woman on Tuesday accused Swalwell of sexual assault, alleging the disgraced lawmaker drugged her drink and raped her in Southern California.
“He raped me, and he choked me. And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness,” model Lonna Drewes said at a Beverly Hills press conference. “And I thought I died. I did not consent to any sexual activity.”
Both the Manhattan and Los Angeles district attorneys’ offices have launched investigations into Swalwell. 
Swalwell’s attorney, Sara Azari, said the former congressman “categorically and unequivocally denies” all allegations of sexual misconduct.
“These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive – a calculated and transparent political hit job designed to destroy the reputation of a man who has spent twenty years in public service,”<a href="https://x.com/azarilaw/status/2044144837113344170?s=20"> Azaria said in a statement</a>.
Swalwell&#8217;s name will still appear on the June 2 primary ballot. Under California’s “jungle primary” system, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election in November regardless of party.

<script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>
<script async src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><div data-widget-host="revcontent" data-pub-id="165152" data-widget-id="290588"></div><script src="https://delivery.revcontent.com/165152/290588/widget.js"></script>

Even After Shivving Swalwell, Democrats Aren’t Home Free In California Governor’s Race

CONTINUE READING

James Talarico Is Already Running From His Past Self

Trump-Backed Paxton Blows Out Cornyn In Texas Senate Showdown

Secret Service Recounts White House Firefight After Suspect Started Shooting

Only One Group Of Americans Think Iran Is Winning

Trump Reacts To Tulsi Gabbard’s Surprise Resignation

Army Veteran Saved His Dog From ISIS — Then His Neighbors Had Her Kidnapped

News

California

governor

Politics

A video goes viral showing a baby being refused his mother by two gay "dads". This is just the tip of the iceberg, which is why we will have an important discussion today about surrogacy. 

Hour 1

The Matt Walsh Show

Ep. 1765 - This Video Is One Of The Worst Things I've Seen In A Long Time 

The Strait of Hormuz officially opens for business (kind of), the Pope makes “shocking” comments on immigration, and President Trump promises UFO disclosure at TPUSA. 


The Michael Knowles Show

Ep. 1956 -  Pope Leo's "SHOCKING" Immigration Comments EXPLAINED

A false miscreed has corrupted our leadership class.


The Andrew Klavan Show

Ep. 1275 - Dumb, Dumber and Progressive

President Trump announces a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, a murder-suicide involving former Democratic Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax shakes Virginia, and France and Britain hold a conference to secure the Strait of Hormuz – after the Iranian conflict ends. Get the facts first with Morning Wire.

- - -

Ep. 2738

- - -

Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3

- - -

Today's Sponsors:

Alliance Defending Freedom - Visit https://JoinADF.com/WIRE or text 'WIRE' to 83848 to learn more.

Pocket Hose - Text MORNING to 64000 to get a FREE pocket pivot and their 10-pattern sprayer with the purchase of ANY size Copper Head hose. Message and data rates may apply.

Morning Wire

U.S. Expands Hormuz Blockade & VA Fairfax Deaths Investigated | 4.17.26

U.S. Expands Hormuz Blockade & VA Fairfax Deaths Investigated | 4.17.26 [Member Exclusive]

A ceasefire goes into effect between Israel and Lebanon, a tragic murder-suicide rocks Virginia, and Dairy Queen deploys AI in the drive-thru. Get the facts first with Evening Wire.
- - -
Ep. 2737
- - -
Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3 
- - -
Today’s Sponsor:

Alliance Defending Freedom - Visit https://JoinADF.com/WIRE or text “WIRE” to 83848 to learn more.


Evening Wire: Lebanon Ceasefire Begins & Murder-Suicide Rocks VA | 4.16.26

The Pendragon Cycle

Menu

— News —

Even After Shivving Swalwell, Democrats Aren’t Home Free In California Governor’s Race