Poll: Hilton and Steyer Lead California Governor Race; Cost of Living Tops Voter Concerns

A new poll conducted by SurveyUSA in partnership with the San Diego Union-Tribune reveals a tight race for California governor ahead of the June primary, with cost of living emerging as the top issue for voters. Among likely voters statewide, Steve Hilton and Tom Steyer are tied at 20 percent each, followed by Xavier Becerra at 17 percent and Chad Bianco at 11 percent.

In San Diego County, Hilton leads with 21 percent, Becerra receives 19 percent, Steyer 16 percent, and Bianco 12 percent. The poll also found that 60 percent of respondents countywide believe there are too many candidates in the race.

When asked about the most important issues facing California, 48 percent cited the cost of living, followed by homelessness at 12 percent and housing at 11 percent. A majority of San Diego County respondents (67 percent) and statewide voters (65 percent) support state funding for programs like Medi-Cal and CalFresh after Congress cut funding.

As California faces a budget gap, 36 percent of San Diegans and 36 percent of statewide voters favor a combination of spending cuts, higher taxes, and running a deficit to address it. Additionally, 61 percent of San Diego County voters and 59 percent statewide said they would vote yes on a billionaires tax if it appeared on the November ballot.

The statewide poll surveyed 1,600 adults from May 28 through May 31, while the San Diego County results are based on interviews with 900 adults from May 27 through May 31.