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
