By Maribel Velazquez
The Democrat Xavier Becerra enters the final stretch of the California gubernatorial primary with an increasingly solid lead over his main rivals. A new survey from Emerson Faculty Polling and Interior California Politics shows that the former Secretary of Health not only maintains first place, but has managed to open a significant gap with respect to the businessman Tom Steyer and the republican Steve Hilton.
According to the survey, Becerra reaches 28% of preferences among likely voterswhile Steyer gets 22% and Hilton 21%. Republican Chad Bianco appears with 12%, while Democrats Katie Porter and Matt Mahan each register 5%.
Becerra gains strength among key voters
Becerra’s growth has been one of the most important moves of the campaign in recent weeks. According to the survey, the Democrat increased nine percentage points since the study carried out in mid-May, a figure higher than that recorded by any of its competitors.
Emerson Faculty Polling Executive Director Spencer Kimball noted that Becerra maintains his favorite status and has managed to build a broad coalition within the Democratic electorate.
“Xavier Becerra maintains his favorite status,” Kimball stated.
The poll also shows that he leads among Democratic voters, Hispanics and women, key segments to define the election in California.
Steyer and Hilton fight for the second ticket
While Becerra seems to consolidate his advance, The closest dispute takes place between Tom Steyer and Steve Hilton. Both appear practically tied and with the possibility of advancing to the extra special election in November.
Kimball noted that Steyer maintains strength among voters under 30while Hilton largely dominates the Republican vote. However, Becerra’s growth could be absorbing support that previously favored Steyer.
Another relevant fact is that 74% of Becerra’s supporters assure that they will not change their vote before election daywhich reinforces the stability of your backrest.
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