Poll Shows Katie Porter Leading 2026 California Governor’s Race as Field Shifts

California’s primary is set for June 2, 2026, with the top two advancing to the November general election. The economy (30%) and housing affordability (19%) remain top voter concerns.

Former Dem. congresswoman Katie Porter is leading the race with 18% support.

A new Emerson College poll shows former Democratic congresswoman Katie Porter leading the 2026 California governor’s race with 18% support, up from 12% in April, following Kamala Harris’s decision not to run. Porter, a favorite among progressives, represented Orange County in the U.S. House of Representatives until this year.

Harris, possibly eyeing another presidential bid, leaves a large share of voters—38%—still undecided.

As of early August according to the Emerson College poll ...

Conservative commentator Steve Hilton has 12% support.

Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has 7% support.

Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has 5% support.

Billionaire developer Rick Caruso has 4% support.

The race shifted further as Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, who polled at 3%, exited to run for state treasurer. Political analysts say her departure may free up donors for more centrist or conservative candidates.

Gov. Gavin Newsom, term-limited and seen as a potential 2028 presidential contender, holds a 44% approval rating.

In a separate presidential primary poll, Newsom leads Democrats with 23%, while Vice President JD Vance dominates the Republican field at 40%.

The survey also found strong voter focus on the economy (30%), housing affordability (19%), and immigration (15%).