A new SurveyUSA poll has Democrats sweating in the 2026 California gubernatorial contest. Republican Steve Hilton grabs first place at 20 percent, edging out far-left billionaire Tom Steyer at 18 percent. Another Republican, Chad Bianco, sits at 12 percent, while establishment Democrats like Xavier Becerra limp in at 10 percent, Katie Porter at 8 percent, and Matt Mahan at 7 percent.Thanks to California’s ridiculous top-two primary system, the top two vote-getters advance no matter the party. That means conservatives have a real shot at forcing a November showdown that could finally crack the Democrat monopoly.The fractured Democrat field is eating itself alive with too many candidates splitting the left-wing vote. Some panicked voices are already begging the lower-polling liberals to drop out and consolidate before they hand Republicans a golden opportunity in the bluest of blue states.This poll may have its skeptics, but the numbers expose a glaring weakness: years of progressive disasters on crime, homelessness, taxes, and energy have left Californians hungry for change. If Republicans stay organized, the Golden State could deliver a political earthquake in 2026.
