Californians are just shy from being three months away from voting for a gubernatorial candidate to face off in the November election.
Despite more than two dozen candidates throwing their hats into the ring, there is no clear frontrunner, according to a recent survey from the Public Policy Institute of California.
Instead, the five leading candidates — Steve Hilton, Katie Porter, Chad Bianco, Eric Swalwell, and Tom Steyer — are in a “virtual tie” to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom, the poll shows.
Who are the top candidates?
Steve Hilton, Republican, holds 14% of likely voters, according to the Public Policy Institute of California poll.
Hilton is a regular contributor on Fox News and a former political adviser.
On his campaign website, Hilton says reducing taxes for workers and ending “the bureaucratic war on business” are among his priorities. Hilton also mentions restoring the “California Dream of a single-family home for every family” and taking a “more sensible approach to (government) spending” as priorities.
Katie Porter, Democrat, holds 13% of likely voters, the polls show.
Porter is an American politician and lawyer. She served as California’s U.S. representative from 2019 to 2025.
Among the priorities listed on Porter’s campaign website are defending Californians’ health care from Trump’s attacks; building more housing in the state to “keep Californians off the streets”; defending clean air laws; and expanding clean energy.
Chad Bianco, Republican, holds 12% of likely voters, according to the poll.
Bianco is a law enforcement officer and has served as sheriff of Riverside County since 2019.
On Bianco’s campaign website, he outlines his vision of making “families feel safe in their neighborhoods,” restoring balance to the criminal justice system, and ensuring law enforcement has the resources required to protect communities.
Eric Swalwell, Democrat, holds 11% of likely voters, the Public Policy Institute of California poll shows.
Swalwell is a lawyer and politician. He has served as the U.S. representative for California’s 14th congressional district since 2023.
Some issues included on Swalwell’s campaign website are: building an affordable California, “putting more money back in the pockets of working families,” and creating a unified online dashboard to replace “the confusing patchwork of more than 150 separate state agency websites.”
Tom Steyer, Democrat, holds 10% of likely voters, the polls show.
Steyer is a billionaire environmental activist.
On his campaign website, Steyer includes lowering electric bills, closing corporate tax loopholes and building homes Californians can afford as priorities.
Who are among the other candidates vying for the governor’s seat?
As of the morning of Wednesday, March 4, other candidates vying to replace the termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom include the following, according to Ballotpedia:
Democrat:
Republican:
Libertarian:
Green:
No party preference:
California’s top-two primary system
In California, there is a top-two primary system in which all candidates are listed on the same ballot.
“The top two vote-getters advance to the general election, regardless of their partisan affiliations,” according to Ballotpedia.
As such, it’s possible for two candidates from the same party to face off in the general election.
Democrats urge candidates to ‘assess the viability of their candidacy’
As “concerns around the impact of a crowded candidate field persist,” California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks urged candidates to “honestly assess the viability of their candidacy and campaign” with the final day to declare candidacy nearing.
“We all have a duty to act in a responsible manner with the opportunities and support we have earned,” Hicks wrote in an open letter on Tuesday, March 3. “I believe it starts with a candid assessment of the political landscape around you, an honest reflection on your viability to win the race, and the courage to make a tough choice.”
When is the deadline to file for candidacy?
The filing deadline for candidates to run is Friday, March 6, according to the California Secretary of State.
When will certified list of candidates be shared?
A certified list of candidates for the June primary will be posted on Thursday, March 26, according to the California Secretary of State’s website.
When is the June primary — and how do Californians register to vote?
California’s primary election will be held on June 2. The last day to register to vote for the primary is May 18.
Californians can register online or by mail.
“You can also pick up an application at your county elections office, any Department of Motor Vehicles office, and many post offices, public libraries, and government offices,” according to the state’s website. “To have a paper application mailed to you, call your county elections office or the Secretary of State’s toll-free voter hotline at (800) 345-VOTE.”
Those who are registered to vote will receive a vote-by-mail ballot for the June primary election, which can be returned via mail, drop box, or in person at a dedicated voting center.
County elections offices will begin mailing ballots on May 4, and ballot drop-off locations will open the following day.
You can track the status of your ballot using the state’s WheresMyBallot tracking tool.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: California’s primary is around the corner. Who are the candidates?
Reporting by Daniella Segura, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
