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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 April 16, 2026
Steve Hilton: 16.75%
Chad Bianco: 13.25%
Undecided among Likely Republican Voters: 5%
(Based on a 35% combined vote expected for the generic Republican candidate in the Primary)
Emerson - April 15, 2026
Hilton: 17%
Steyer: 14%
Bianco: 14%
Porter: 10%
Becerra: 10%
Others/Undecided: 35%
Berkeley IGS - March 18, 2026
Hilton: 17%
Bianco: 16%
Swalwell: 13%
Porter: 13%
Steyer: 10%
Others/Undecided: 31%
Citrin Center/Politico - March 11, 2026
Hilton: 19%
Steyer: 13%
Porter: 11%
Bianco: 11%
Swalwell: 11%
Others/Undecided: 35%
PPIC - February 26, 2026
Hilton: 14%
Porter: 13%
Bianco: 12%
Swalwell: 11%
Steyer: 10%
Others/Undecided: 40%
"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
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