Cost of living dominates California voters as Becerra keeps large lead over Hilton
A new statewide poll shows Californians rank high living costs as their top concern and gives Democrat Xavier Becerra a 58% to 33% advantage over Republican Steve Hilton in the governor's race.
According to a recent UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies survey, Californians are most worried about the state's persistent high cost of living, with 44% naming it their top priority. The poll also reveals strong anti-Trump sentiment, which helps Democrat Xavier Becerra maintain a commanding 58% to 33% lead over Republican Steve Hilton, a margin that has grown by about 25 points since August. Hilton, endorsed by Donald Trump, has offered policies such as $3 gasoline and tax cuts for incomes below $150,000, but these have not shifted the electorate in a state that leans Democratic.
Independent and no-party-preference voters largely favor Becerra, though 30% support Hilton and 14% remain undecided. Both candidates will face each other in a nationally televised debate in Burbank on Sept. 30. The poll, conducted online in English and Spanish with a margin of error of ±2 points, surveyed 4,512 likely voters.
Why it matters
The poll highlights voter priorities and the likely outcome of a key gubernatorial race in a pivotal swing state.
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