On Monday, the California Democratic Party (CADEM) released an updated tracking poll from the California VOTER Index on the California governor’s race and California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks hosted a media availability to answer reporters’ questions.
Below are remarks from Chair Hicks:
“Today we have released the third edition of the California VOTER Index in the race for California’s next Governor – a 1,200-sample tracking poll conducted by EVITARUS Research between April 15-17.
The poll was conducted after Trump’s endorsement of Steve Hilton, the California Republican Party’s “no endorsement” vote between their two candidates and Eric Swalwell’s decision to end his campaign for Governor and resign from Congress.
The result of today’s track shows the following movement from our last track on April 7.
Voters know that Eric Swalwell is unfit for public office in California – as seen in his slide from 12% to less than 1%.
Steve Hilton has seen a slight bump over his Republican opponent, Chad Bianco, and now leads the field overall by 3%.
Xavier Becerra has moved from 4% to 13% and is now tied for third with Tom Steyer.
Finally, more voters are beginning to tune into the race for Governor as the undecided rate has fallen from 24% to 20%.
All of these are positive signs for ensuring a strong Democrat moves into the General Election. But it is not enough and our work is not done.
Earlier today we saw Betty Yee suspend her campaign. I commend her leadership and commitment to California. And I hope other candidates will consider her example.
Because there are 60 candidates on the ballot. There are still two primary Republicans and now six primary Democrats.
And the initial question shows two Republicans leading the field with 17% and 14% respectively.
I continue to believe there are too many Democrats in the field.
I have deep respect for the Democrats who step forward to serve. And I also know they understand the importance of electing a Democrat as our next Governor – including the need to narrow the field to ensure we win in November.
My call for all candidates to honestly assess the viability of their candidacy and campaigns still stands – especially if you are stalled in the single digits, seeing financial resources drying up, and/or failing to pick up additional support.
Ballots are in the hands of voters in roughly two weeks and the clock is ticking for candidates to do what is best for California in this historic moment.”
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The survey of likely June 2026 voters was conducted online and via phone by EVITARUS – the only Black- and Latina-led full-service public opinion research firm in California. This 1,200 sample tracking survey was conducted by EVITARUS Research from April 15-17.
Two previous California VOTER Index releases include a March 24th baseline poll and April 7 tracking survey, both showing two Republicans in the lead with multiple Democrats trailing behind.
The surveys included each candidate’s official ballot designation and party affiliation. In addition, oversamples were completed for Latino, Black and Asian-American voters to avoid small sample sizes and ensure clarity in data results.
To ensure candidates, supporters, media, and voters have a clear understanding of the current state of the race, updated tracking surveys will be released on a regular basis through early May.
Candidates for Governor and their supporters are now fully ramping up their campaigns, voters are now beginning to pay more attention, and we expect additional movement in the coming weeks.
The California VOTER Index follows an open letter sent by Chair Rusty Hicks to Democratic candidates for Governor, including those who subsequently filed for the Primary Election ballot.
CADEM launched the California VOTER Index to help all candidates honestly assess their viable path to win.
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The California Democratic Party (CADEM) is the nation’s largest state Democratic Party, representing 10 million Democrats. CADEM leads year-round grassroots organizing efforts across the state to elect Democrats up and down the ballot, and also runs the oldest and most robust voter protection program in the country.