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A new poll sponsored by the California Democratic Party shows two Republican candidates still leading the governor\u2019s race, increasing pressure on Democrats to consolidate their support or risk being shut out of the November general election.<\/p>\n
The EVITARUS poll<\/a>, released Tuesday, April 7, has Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton each receiving 14% of likely voters.<\/p>\n April\u2019s poll mostly mirrors the Democratic Party\u2019s March survey<\/a>, with Hilton slipping two points to tie with Bianco.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 24% of voters remain undecided.<\/p>\n The poll surveyed 1,200 likely California primary voters between March 31 and April 5, well before President Trump endorsed Steve Hilton.<\/p>\n \u201cSteve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so!\u201d Trump said. \u201cWith Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before!\u201d<\/p>\n Bianco criticized the endorsement in a post<\/a>\u00a0on social media Monday.<\/p>\n \u201cFor too long, politicians and insiders from Sacramento to Washington have tried to pick our leaders for us,\u201d Bianco said. \u201cThat\u2019s not leadership. That\u2019s a coronation. And it\u2019s exactly how we ended up with the failed leadership Californians are living with today.\u201d<\/p>\n The Hilton campaign celebrated the MAGA endorsement.<\/p>\n \u201cWith President Trump\u2019s full backing and federal support, we are going to take California back and make it better than ever before,\u201d the campaign wrote.<\/p>\n PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP JUST GAVE STEVE HILTON HIS COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT FOR GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA! \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8<\/p>\n In his powerful statement, President Trump said:<\/p>\n \u201cI have known and respected Steve Hilton\u2026 for many years. He is a truly fine man\u2026 Steve can turn it around, before\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/gZnuOeH80y<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Steve Hilton For Governor (@TeamSteveHilton) April 6, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n If Republican voters consolidate behind Hilton, a \u2018Democratic lockout<\/a>\u2018 appears less likely. Under the jungle primary system, the top two vote-getters advance to the November general election.<\/p>\n A majority of respondents \u2014 51% \u2014 said California is on the wrong track, a point the president raised in his Truth Social endorsement<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cGavin 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,\u201d Trump said.<\/p>\n California\u2019s primary election is set for June 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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