Dems Face Even More Pressure As Republicans Lead In Critical Governor’s Race

A new poll sponsored by the California Democratic Party shows two Republican candidates still leading the governor’s race, increasing pressure on Democrats to consolidate their support or risk being shut out of the November general election.

The EVITARUS poll, released Tuesday, April 7, has Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton each receiving 14% of likely voters.

April’s poll mostly mirrors the Democratic Party’s March survey, with Hilton slipping two points to tie with Bianco.

Bay Area Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) leads the Democratic field with 12% of the vote, with billionaire environmental activist Tom Steyer right behind at 11%. Former Orange County Congresswoman Katie Porter (D-CA) is winning 7%. The four other Democratic candidates each hold 4% of the vote or less.

24% of voters remain undecided.

The poll surveyed 1,200 likely California primary voters between March 31 and April 5, well before President Trump endorsed Steve Hilton.

“Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so!” Trump said. “With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before!”

Bianco criticized the endorsement in a post on social media Monday.

“For too long, politicians and insiders from Sacramento to Washington have tried to pick our leaders for us,” Bianco said. “That’s not leadership. That’s a coronation. And it’s exactly how we ended up with the failed leadership Californians are living with today.”

 

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A post shared by Sheriff Chad Bianco (@sheriffbianco)

The Hilton campaign celebrated the MAGA endorsement.

“With President Trump’s full backing and federal support, we are going to take California back and make it better than ever before,” the campaign wrote.

PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP JUST GAVE STEVE HILTON HIS COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT FOR GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA! ????????

In his powerful statement, President Trump said:

“I have known and respected Steve Hilton… for many years. He is a truly fine man… Steve can turn it around, before… pic.twitter.com/gZnuOeH80y

— Steve Hilton For Governor (@TeamSteveHilton) April 6, 2026

If Republican voters consolidate behind Hilton, a ‘Democratic lockout‘ appears less likely. Under the jungle primary system, the top two vote-getters advance to the November general election.

A majority of respondents — 51% — said California is on the wrong track, a point the president raised in his Truth Social endorsement.

“Gavin Newscum and the Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job. People are fleeing, crime is increasing, and Taxes are the highest of any State in the Country, maybe the World,” Trump said.

California’s primary election is set for June 2, 2026.