Republican Steve Hilton has maintained his lead in the tight California gubernatorial race, a new poll found.
The British-born former Fox News commentator had 14% support among likely voters, edging out Democrat Katie Porter (13%) and GOP Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco (12%), according to the Public Policy Institute of California.
Democrats Eric Swalwell and billionaire Tom Steyer had 11% and 10% support, respectively.
The findings come a week after another poll had Hilton leading the crowded field with 17% support, besting Swalwell and and Bianco’s 14%.
California uses a “top-two” primary or ” jungle primary,” held in June, in which all candidates appear on a single ballot regardless of party. Every voter sees the same list and can vote for any candidate, regardless of their own registration.
The two candidates with the most votes advance to the general election. This means the final race can feature two candidates from the same party, potentially shutting out all other parties from the November ballot.
The last time a Republican was voted into the California governor’s office was nearly two decades ago, when Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected to his second term.
The Public Policy Institute of California poll also found that likely voters have deep frustration with the direction of the state, with 52% saying California is headed on the wrong track.
Costs of living and inflation topped the list of issues voters want addressed, with 61% saying a candidate’s stance on affordability is “very important” to their vote.
A majority — 55% — said they would rather pay lower taxes and receive fewer state services.
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