Governor's race:  Becerra leads Hilton by 24 points in latest PPIC poll; Santa Clara County backed Becerra in June

Democrat Xavier Becerra leads Republican Steve Hilton 61% to 37% among likely voters in the race for governor, according to a Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) survey taken Oct. 16-22.  PPIC, a nonpartisan research group, surveyed 1,086 likely voters; the margin of error is plus or minus 3.8 points.

The winner replaces Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has served two terms, the limit under the state constitution, according to the Secretary of State.  The new four-year term begins Jan. 4, 2027.

In the June 2 primary, where the top two advance regardless of party, Becerra led statewide with 28.0% and Hilton had 24.6%.  Democrat Tom Steyer was close behind at 22.8%.

Santa Clara County voters also put Becerra first, with 31.5%.  Steyer got 25.2% and Hilton 21.1%.  San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a Democrat, was fourth in the county with 8.4% and sixth statewide.

The California Republican Party endorses Hilton.  The Santa Clara County Democratic Party's list of California Democratic Party endorsements names Becerra.  Neither candidate filed a statement for the state voter guide.

This updates the paper's Oct. 29 story, which covers the candidates' plans.

Source:  PPIC Statewide Survey, October 2026; June primary results, governor; Secretary of State, governor qualifications; candidate statements page; California Republican Party endorsements; Santa Clara County Democratic Party report