Porter, Hilton lead in wide-open California governor's race: Poll

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

The Hill's Headlines | PM — August 7, 2025Scroll back up to restore default view.
Democratic former Rep. Katie Porter (Calif.) and Republican former Fox News host Steve Hilton are at the top of California’s primary for governor, new polling shows, after Vice President Harris decided against a bid.

Emerson College Polling found Porter in the lead with 18 percent support, followed by Hilton at 12 percent. In California’s nonpartisan system, the top two candidates move on from the primary to the general, regardless of party affiliation.

The poll comes after Harris, who was expected to clear the field if she entered the race, announced she would not run to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom (D).

Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, Democrat former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Republican-turned-Democrat Rick Caruso were next up, with 7, 5 and 4 percent, respectively.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/porter-hilton-lead-wide-open-100000436.html

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Well, it's early yet, but I'm glad to see those numbers. Katie has my vote! n/t

[Magoo48]

6. Yup. She has my vote as well. She's by far the best rep I've ever had.

[Fiendish Thingy]

2. Mostly name recognition, but still good news for Porter

I hope it translates into good fundraising for her, as some of her competitors will have access to Silicon Valley techbro money.

[LogDog75]

3. The primary is 10 months away

Any lead a candidate may have can disappear quickly. Right now, those leading are the ones with name recognition but as it gets closer to primary election day people will begin to pay closer attention to whose who and where they stand.

I like Katie Porter and I liked the way she fought in the House. However, during a statewide election she's going to have to not be as aggressive mainly because she'll be labeled as a "complaining woman." Misogynistic, but that they game the republic party plays.

Right now, I'm supporting Toni Atkins. She represented my city in the State Assembly and State Senate and she knows the ins-and-outs of state government. However, I'm open to other candidates.

[msongs]

4. where will they stand on redistricting? that may be a hot item this fall nt

[Retrograde]

5. Redistricting is on this November's ballot

if it goes through. The primary will be in June, 2026 - I think a lot of other issues will come up before then.