Emerson College Polling survey: Katie Porter, Steve Hilton lead California Governor race after Kamala Harris bows out

(WHTM) – New polling in the California Governor’s race shows Katie Porter (D) and Steve Hilton (R) leading the field after former Vice President Kamala Harris decided not to enter the race.

The survey showed the former congresswoman Porter leading the field with 18% with a six-point bump since April. Hilton, a media personality and former British policy advisor, received 12% in his first appearance in the Emerson College Polling survey.

Former Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco (R) received 7%, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (D) received 5%, and businessman Rick Caruso (D) received 4% in the Emerson College Polling survey.

Thirty-eight percent of voters polled were undecided in the race, down from 54% in April when Harris had not yet announced her intentions to stay out of the race.

The survey of 1,000 California voters also showed Governor Gavin Newsom (D) with a 44% approval rating. Voters were largely split on Newsom’s plan to potentially redraw congressional districts in response to Texas, with 33% of California voters favoring a redraw, 25% opposed, and 42% undecided.

Newsom is also California’s early favorite in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, receiving 23% from the 444 California Democratic primary voters surveyed.

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg received 17% and Harris received 11% in her home state.

The poll, with a 4.6% margin of error, has New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez with 9% and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear at 5%. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders each had 4%.

New Jersey Senator Cory Booker was at 3%, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was at 2%, and 14% of voters were undecided.

The poll’s full results can be found on the Emerson College Polling website.