A new statewide poll suggests California’s governor’s race may increasingly hinge on environmental issues, with Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra holding a sizable lead over Republican Steve Hilton as voters weigh competing visions for the state’s climate, energy and environmental future.
The Public Policy Institute of California’s latest survey found Becerra leading Hilton 61% to 36% among likely voters. The poll also found that 85% of likely voters say candidates’ positions on environmental issues are important in determining their vote, highlighting how topics ranging from wildfires and climate change to gas prices and electric vehicles could shape the November election.
The Democratic candidate leads across age groups, income levels, racial and ethnic groups, genders and major California regions, according to the survey. Nearly half of likely voters said candidates’ environmental positions are “very important” when deciding their vote, while another 37% called them “somewhat important.”
The poll also found generic Democrats leading Republican candidates in U.S. House races by a margin of 63% to 35%.
Here’s what else to know about the poll and the November election.
Wildfires remain Californians’ top environmental concern
Asked to identify the state’s most pressing environmental challenge, Californians most often cited wildfires.
Nineteen percent named wildfires as the top issue facing the state, ahead of climate change, government overregulation and water supply concerns.
The survey found widespread frustration with current wildfire efforts:
Californians support climate action but worry about costs
The survey paints a nuanced picture of public opinion on climate change.
Three out of four Californians said the state’s landmark 2006 Global Warming Solutions Act has been mostly good for California. About 65% support California pursuing its own climate policies independent of the federal government.
Most Californians also believe climate change is already happening and poses a serious threat to the state’s future economy and quality of life.
But cost concerns remain significant.
Among the findings:
Most oppose Newsom’s gas-car phaseout plan
One of the survey’s most striking findings involves electric vehicles.
Nearly two-thirds of Californians oppose Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order that would end sales of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035.
The poll found:
Opposition to the gas-car mandate has increased significantly since PPIC asked the same question in 2021.
AI data centers face strong public resistance
The survey also examined Californians’ views on artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Roughly two-thirds oppose building AI-related data centers in their communities, while similar numbers say they are concerned about the environmental impacts of expanded data center construction.
Opposition was strongest in Southern California and Inland Empire communities.
The findings suggest that AI’s rapid growth could face local resistance as utilities and technology companies seek new sites to meet growing computing demands.
Californians continue backing coastal protections
Support for California’s coastline protections remains overwhelming.
According to the survey:
Plastics and marine debris, declining marine life, and beach access issues also ranked among voters’ top coastal concerns.
What voters should know about the CEQA measure
The survey found strong early support for a November ballot measure that would streamline environmental reviews under the California Environmental Quality Act, commonly known as CEQA.
PPIC found that 73% of likely voters would vote “yes” on the proposal, which would expedite reviews of projects involving housing, transportation, water, health care, and clean energy.
Support crossed party lines, with majorities of Democrats, Republicans and independents favoring the measure.
How to vote in California’s November election
California voters can cast ballots in several ways this November:
Vote by mail
Every registered voter will receive a mail ballot. Voters can return completed ballots by mail, place them in official ballot drop boxes or return them at vote centers.
Vote early
Many counties offer early in-person voting before Election Day. Check with your local county elections office for dates and locations.
Vote in person on Election Day
Voters can cast ballots at designated vote centers or polling places on Election Day.
Register to vote
Eligible Californians can register online through the California Secretary of State’s website. California also offers conditional same-day voter registration through Election Day for eligible residents who miss traditional registration deadlines. The last day to register to vote for the Nov. 3 General Election is Oct. 19.
Check your registration status
Voters can verify their registration, party preference and mail-ballot status through the Secretary of State’s voter information portal.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Becerra leads Hilton by wide margin in new California governor poll
Reporting by James Ward, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By James Ward, Palm Springs Desert Sun | USA TODAY Network
