California 2026 Poll: Swalwell Takes Lead in Governor Primary, 25% Undecided; LA Mayor Race Remains Uncertain A new Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics survey conducted in March 2026 reveals that Congressman Eric Swalwell leads the Democratic primary for governor with 17% support, followed by Steve Hilton (13%), Tom Steyer (11%), Chad Bianco (11%), and Katie Porter (8%). A quarter of voters, 25%, remain undecided in the open primary. Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, noted that Swalwell’s support among Democratic voters rose from 23% to 27% in the past month, while Steyer’s support among Democrats increased from 12% to 16%. Independent voters are largely undecided, with 39% showing no clear preference, while 12% back Swalwell and Hilton. Republicans are split between Hilton (38%) and Bianco (34%). The Los Angeles mayor’s race also remains wide open, with 51% of voters undecided. Incumbent Democratic Mayor Karen Bass enters her re-election campaign with 20% support, trailed by reality TV star Spencer Pratt (10%), Councilwoman Nithya Raman (9%), entrepreneur Adam Miller (4%), and housing advocate Rae Huang (3%). Kimball highlighted that Democrats are divided between Bass and Raman, with 27% supporting Bass and 14% backing Raman. Republicans, meanwhile, favor Pratt with 29% support. Independents, 67%, and 49% of Democrats and 37% of Republicans remain undecided, suggesting the race could shift significantly by June. Gavin Newsom, the current governor, holds a 45% job approval rating among California likely voters, up one point from February. President Donald Trump’s approval rating stands at 28%, while 64% disapprove of his performance. Karen Bass, the LA mayor, has a 24% approval rating among Los Angeles voters, with 47% disapproving.#los_angeles #emerson_college_polling #eric_swalwell #spencer_kimball #karen_bass
Billionaire lefty Tom Steyer pours $66 million into California governor’s race Tom Steyer’s campaign for California governor is spending money at an unprecedented rate, with his personal investment in the race now surpassing $66.7 million. Recent campaign filings reveal that Steyer contributed an additional $28.5 million this month, following earlier donations of $28 million in 2024 and $9.3 million in January. This surge in spending has positioned him as a formidable contender, potentially breaking the previous gubernatorial campaign spending record held by Meg Whitman at $144 million. Steyer’s financial commitment has coincided with a notable improvement in his poll numbers since launching his campaign in November. A new poll by the Public Policy Institute of California shows him securing 10% support, trailing behind Democrats like former congresswoman Katie Porter (13%) and Rep. Eric Swalwell (11%). Porter raised $6 million in 2024, while Swalwell’s campaign collected $3.1 million, both significantly less than Steyer’s contributions. Political consultants have noted the impact of Steyer’s wealth on his campaign. Elizabeth Ashford, a Democratic political consultant, described his efforts as “bringing a gun to a knife fight,” emphasizing his consistent support for progressive causes and his advocacy for a billionaires’ tax. This stance helps shield him from criticism about being part of the wealthy elite, as he has long been involved in progressive initiatives. Steyer’s focus on affordability, environmental issues, and taxing the ultra-wealthy has also drawn attention. Jim Ross, a state political consultant, highlighted that his campaign’s messaging centers on holding billionaires accountable, a contrast to other candidates like Swalwell and Porter.#eric_swalwell #tom_steyer #public_policy_institute_of_california #katie_porter #california_governor_race
