CA/Political Polls—
A latecomer in the race for California governor is now leading the pack of contenders, according to a recent poll. Northern California Congressman Eric Swalwell launched his campaign for governor last November and, within a month, was polling in the double digits and leading the Democratic candidates in the well-respected Emerson College poll.
Now the most recent Emerson College poll shows Rep. Swalwell (D-Dublin) leading all comers with 17%. Last December, that poll had Swalwell’s support at 12%; now he appears to be pulling away from the crowded field of candidates.
Meanwhile, support for former House Rep. Katie Porter (D-Irvine) appears to be eroding. Once in the double digits, Porter dropped to 8% in the latest Emerson poll. Coming on strong is billionaire-turned-activist-and-Democratic donor Tom Steyer, who was polling in the low single digits but has now moved up to 11% in this month’s Emerson poll.
On the Republican side, some slippage among the top two candidates. Last month, conservative commentator Steve Hilton was leading all candidates at 17%, but his support has now declined to 13%. Close behind Hilton is Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who is now at 11% in this poll.
Still, a large segment of voters is undecided. This poll puts that number at 25%. So, it is still a horse race to the finish. However, voters don’t have much time to pick a candidate. The primary is June 2.
