Democrat Xavier Becerra continues to hold a commanding lead over Republican Steve Hilton in California’s gubernatorial race, but the gap has narrowed as the candidates head toward their November showdown, according to a poll released Thursday.

Becerra leads Hilton 55% to 37% among likely voters in a UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll conducted in partnership with the Los Angeles Times, giving the former congressman and Biden Cabinet secretary an 18-point advantage.