The newest polling coverage I can find says California Democratic support has tightened between Xavier Becerra and billionaire Tom Steyer, with multiple surveys showing them near each other (including “tied” headlines). For example, an Emerson College Polling release reported Becerra and Steyer tied for the Democratic lead at around the top of the field.[1][2]
What recent polling headlines are saying
- Mid–April 2026: Reporting on new polls described Becerra and Steyer as tied for the top among Democratic candidates (with Becerra showing a notable gain in that reporting).[2]
- Early May 2026: Coverage also reported Becerra surging in an Emerson poll after other Democratic candidates (notably Eric Swalwell) exited, with Becerra described as tied with another Democrat challenger in one topline result and Steyer still ahead among Democrats.[1]
Quick context (why you may see “tied” vs “ahead”)
Different polls (and different dates) can shift the standings depending on:
- which candidates are on the ballot at the time,
- when the poll fieldwork occurred after candidate dropouts,
- and whether results are framed as Democratic candidates only vs all candidates.
If you tell me whether you mean Democratic primary vote share only or overall primary vote share (all candidates), I can narrow to the most relevant toplines from the latest coverage.
Sources
As more undecided voters appear to be finding a candidate they like, and following some televised debates, a new poll finds billionaire Tom Steyer continuing to hold a lead among the Democrats, and only one point behind Republican Steve Hilton.
sfist.comAfter polling around 3% last month, former state attorney general Xavier Becerra jumped to 10% after Eric Swalwell dropped out of the California governor's race.
ground.newsDespite more than $30 million spent on negative ads against him, Steyer has gained four points since late April, while Becerra has slipped from 21% to 19%. Bianco has fallen out of contention with just 12 percent support. “This poll confirms what we’re hearing on the ground across California: voters are looking for an outsider who will take on the political establishment to lower costs and deliver real change,” said Heather Hargreaves, Campaign Manager for Tom Steyer for Governor. “Xavier...
www.tomsteyer.comBillionaire Tom Steyer is leading Democrats with 14% of the vote, followed by Becerra and former U.S. Rep Katie Porter tied at 10%.
www.calonews.comChuck Rocha and Mike Madrid break down the seismic California Governor's race, where Xavier Becerra is surging despite being outspent 150-to-1 by billionaire Tom Steyer, who has already burned through $200 million, roughly $166 per vote. They unpack Steyer's undisclosed influencer campaign flooding Latino social media, what it means for the integrity of political messaging, and why Latino voters in California are rallying behind Xavier Becerra anyway. Plus: * Trump's cognitive decline - Can...
podimo.comUnder California law, the two highest vote getters in the June 2 primary, regardless of party affiliation, will go on to the Nov. 3 general election.
justthenews.comJust last week, Becerra trailed behind billionaire activist Tom Steyer who was maintaining the Democratic lead. New polls released Monday show that the two candidates are now tied, pointing to them as the Democratic frontrunners.
www.calonews.com