CA-GOV: California's governor race has a clear top tier (Gold standard California poll)

[RandySF]

Former Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Eric Swalwell, and megadonor Tom Steyer are effectively tied atop the teeming Democratic field in the race for governor, according to a new Public Policy Institute of California poll.

The contest to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom has been unusually muddled without a decisive frontrunner after potentially commanding candidates like Sen. Alex Padilla and former Vice President Kamala Harris decided against running. That has created the most open-ended campaign in memory for the state’s top job.

“It’s pretty unprecedented for a California governor’s race,” said survey director Mark Baldassare. “It’s a very unusual race.”

Still, the contest has separated into two distinct tiers, according to the new survey. The top five contenders — three Democrats and two Republicans — all logged double-digit support that tops out in the low teens, while a cluster of Democrats straggled behind at five percent or lower.



https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/26/californias-governor-race-has-a-clear-top-tier-00799761

[kimbutgar]

1. Eric Swalwell is my favorite choice at this moment

The commercials are endless for Tom Steyer like he’s trying to buy the governorship to help himself. He says in the ads he wants to help Californians but these millionaires are so out of touch to the reality of average Californians.

Swalwell has experience and knows the legislative process and how to get things done. After Swartzeneggar, I am turned off by non politicians running for higher office. And I like Katie Porter but she has too much baggage that could be attacked by the Reich wing giving us a repuke governor.

And I’m a 4th generation Californian!

[RandySF]

2. Adam Schiff's endorsement persuaded me to support Swalwell.

[poli-junkie]

3. Swalwell is my pick 👍

[Wounded Bear]

4. Would hate to lose Swalwell from the House, but...

you know he will stand up to trump for the State.

Not currently a CA resident, but lived there for many years in the 80-90s.

Ms Porter should have kept her House seat, IMO.