A recent Emerson College Polling survey indicates that Xavier Becerra (D), the former Health and Human Services Secretary, leads the California gubernatorial primary race with 28% support, a 6-point advantage over billionaire Tom Steyer (D) at 22% and former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton (R) at 21%. Becerra's support has surged from just 5% in September 2025, particularly after Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) withdrew from the race amid allegations of misconduct. The primary, scheduled for June 2, 2025, will allow the top two candidates to advance to the November general election. The poll also reveals a significant drop in support for Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.), from 16% to 5%. The number of undecided voters has decreased to 5%, with nearly 75% of voters expressing certainty about their choice. Should Becerra win, he would make history as California's first Latino governor since José Antonio Romualdo Pacheco, who served in 1875.