Two groups form in California governor’s race, but still no clear front-runner

Published February 26, 2026 5:22pm ET



California’s gubernatorial race is beginning to show its first signs of shape for Democrats, though a new poll suggests the crowded contest is more competitive and unpredictable than many expected.

Three Democrats — former Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), and billionaire Tom Steyer — and two Republicans — former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco — are within 4 percentage points of one another, according to the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California survey. All five candidates are also within the 3.9% margin of error heading into the June primary, underscoring how unsettled the race remains.

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