Republican Steve Hilton leads the latest poll for the California governor’s race in 2026, in a stunning result that indicates an electorate hungry for change.

The poll, by Emerson College, confirms that the Golden State is as left-wing as ever. Fully 57% support Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) proposal to gerrymander California’s congressional districts, overriding a constitutional requirement for an independent redistricting commission.

However, Hilton — a conservative commentator and policy analyst fiercely critical of governance in the state — is leading the poll, ahead of every major Democratic Party candidate, including former Rep. Katie Porter.

Hilton’s lead is well within the poll’s 3% margin of error. And overall, the Democratic candidates in the poll outweigh the Republican candidates.

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