Here's the latest reliable polling in the Governor's Race as of May 26, 2026

Under California's crazy election laws, whichever two candidates for Governor get the most raw votes in the June 2026 Primary election will advance to the November runoff election - regardless of their political party.  This means if Republican voters split their votes that two DEMOCRATS could advance into the runoff and lock Republicans out completely.

Reform California Chairman Carl DeMaio has advance for Republican voters to "vote strategically - using data."

"Both Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco are good men and would make a great Governor and that's why Reform California's supporters and volunteers like both of these candidates which makes issuing an endorsement of one over the other hard," DeMaio laments.

"But with a great risk of a shut out if Republicans split their votes, a choice must be made - one driven by data," DeMaio says.

While Reform California is not endorsing one candidate over the other, we strongly recommend that voters review the latest polling on this race to unite behind whichever candidate is in the lead and has the best chance to make it into the runoff.  

Here's the latest reliable polling in the Governor's Race as of May 26, 2026

Xavier Becerra: 18.5%

Tom Steyer: 16%

Undecided/Other among Likely Democrat Voters: 23.5%

(Based on a 58% combined vote expected for the generic Democratic candidate in the Primary)

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Steve Hilton: 18.75%

Chad Bianco: 11.5%

Undecided/Other among Likely Republican Voters: 4.75%

(Based on a 35% combined vote expected for the generic Republican candidate in the Primary)

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David Binder Poll - May 22​

Hilton: 22%​

Becerra: 21%​

Steyer: 15%​

Bianco: 10%​

Other/Undecided: 32%

Emerson - May 13, 2026

Xavier Becerra (D): 19  

Steve Hilton (R): 17  

Tom Steyer (D): 17  

Chad Bianco (R): 11  ‍

Other/Undecided: 36%

EMC - April 28, 2026

Becerra 21%

Hilton 20%

Steyer 17%

Bianco 15%

Others/Undecided  27%

CBS - April 27, 2026

Hilton 16%

Steyer 15%

Becerra 13%

Bianco 10%

Others/Undecided 46%

"Here's my best recommendation in the Governor's race: whichever Republican candidate for Governor is leading when you cast your ballot should receive your vote," DeMaio concludes.

Read FULL Voter Guide HERE