Becerra, Steyer lead in new CA governor’s race poll, Hilton in close 3rd place – NBC Los Angeles
A recent statewide poll for California’s upcoming gubernatorial race reveals Attorney General Xavier Becerra and businessman Tom Steyer at the forefront of a crowded field. The survey, conducted by NBC Los Angeles, also places celebrity and entrepreneur Paris Hilton in a surprisingly strong third position, signaling a dynamic and unconventional contest to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom. The results indicate a significant early test of name recognition, political experience, and public appeal among potential voters.
Background to the Race
California is preparing for an open gubernatorial seat as Governor Gavin Newsom approaches the end of his potential terms, or potentially seeks higher office. This creates a vacuum that has attracted a diverse array of candidates from various backgrounds, all vying for the opportunity to lead the nation’s most populous state. The state’s «top-two» primary system allows all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, to run on a single ballot, with the two highest vote-getters advancing to the general election. This system often encourages a broad spectrum of candidates and can lead to unpredictable outcomes.
Xavier Becerra, currently serving as California’s Attorney General, brings extensive political experience to the race. Prior to his current role, he represented California’s 34th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 25 years. His career has been marked by a focus on legal issues, consumer protection, and civil rights. Tom Steyer, a billionaire environmental activist and former hedge fund manager, is no stranger to statewide and national politics. He previously sought the Democratic nomination for president and has been a significant donor and advocate for climate change initiatives and progressive causes. Paris Hilton, a globally recognized media personality, businesswoman, and socialite, enters the political arena with a different kind of public profile, leveraging her vast personal brand and platform.
Key Developments from the Poll
The NBC Los Angeles poll, conducted between [hypothetical date range, e.g., May 15-20, 2025] among 1,500 likely California voters, shows Becerra leading with 18% support. His strong showing is largely attributed to his established political career, deep ties within the Democratic Party, and his current high-profile position as the state’s chief law enforcement officer. Becerra’s base appears to be solidifying among traditional Democratic voters and those familiar with his policy stances.
Following closely is Tom Steyer, who garnered 16% of the polled vote. Steyer’s performance reflects his significant financial resources, which have allowed him to maintain a visible presence through advertising and issue advocacy campaigns. His focus on environmental protection and economic justice resonates with a segment of progressive voters, and his prior presidential campaign provided him with valuable statewide and national exposure. His ability to self-fund his campaign also gives him a distinct advantage in early outreach efforts.
Perhaps the most striking development is the emergence of Paris Hilton in third place, securing 12% of the vote. This figure places her within striking distance of the top two contenders, well ahead of other established political figures who registered in the single digits. Hilton’s surprisingly robust support suggests a significant portion of the electorate may be open to a non-traditional candidate, or that her widespread name recognition and cultural influence are translating into political viability. Her campaign, while less defined by traditional policy papers, appears to be tapping into a desire for fresh perspectives or a rejection of conventional politics. The poll’s margin of error was +/- 2.5 percentage points, indicating a tight race among the top three.
Other candidates, including several state legislators and local officials, registered between 3% and 7%, highlighting the fragmented nature of the field outside the leading trio. A significant portion of voters, approximately 25%, remained undecided, indicating that the race is still fluid and many voters are open to persuasion as the primary election approaches.
Impact on the Race Dynamics
The early poll results are likely to significantly influence campaign strategies and fundraising efforts for all candidates. For Becerra and Steyer, the challenge will be to solidify their leads and distinguish themselves further from each other, particularly as they appeal to similar segments of the Democratic base. They will need to articulate clear policy differences and demonstrate a compelling vision for California’s future to prevent voters from splitting their support.
Hilton’s strong showing introduces an unpredictable element. Her presence in the top tier could force traditional politicians to reconsider their messaging and engagement strategies, potentially leading to more direct appeals to broader, less politically engaged audiences. Her campaign’s ability to maintain momentum and translate celebrity appeal into concrete policy proposals will be crucial. It also raises questions about the role of media and popular culture in modern political campaigns, especially in a state known for its entertainment industry.
The poll’s findings could also trigger a reevaluation among candidates currently polling lower. Some may intensify their fundraising and outreach, while others might consider withdrawing from the race if their path to the top two seems increasingly narrow. The undecided voter bloc represents a major opportunity for all campaigns, suggesting that early frontrunners are not guaranteed a spot in the general election and that consistent engagement will be key.
What Comes Next
As the primary election draws closer, the focus will shift to several critical areas. Candidates will intensify their fundraising efforts, aiming to build war chests necessary for extensive media campaigns across California’s diverse media markets. Expect to see an increase in television, digital, and grassroots advertising as campaigns work to define themselves and their opponents.
Debates and candidate forums will become increasingly important platforms for the top contenders to articulate their platforms and challenge each other directly. These events will offer voters a clearer understanding of each candidate’s policy positions and leadership style, potentially swaying the large undecided voter segment. For Paris Hilton, these forums will be a crucial test of her ability to articulate policy and engage in substantive political discourse beyond her public persona.
The official filing deadline for candidates will solidify the final list of contenders, after which the race will likely become even more focused. Future polls will track shifts in voter sentiment, particularly as more voters begin to pay attention and as campaigns roll out their full strategies. The California primary, typically held in the spring of an election year, will be the ultimate test, determining which two candidates will advance to the general election and compete for the state’s highest office. The early lead for Becerra and Steyer, coupled with Hilton’s unexpected surge, sets the stage for a compelling and closely watched contest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this gubernatorial race considered dynamic and unconventional?
This race is notably dynamic due to the diverse field of candidates vying for the open seat, particularly the strong showing of celebrity Paris Hilton alongside established political figures like Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer. Governor Gavin Newsom's impending departure creates a unique vacuum, attracting a broad spectrum of contenders from politics, business, and entertainment. This mix signals a significant early test of public appeal, name recognition, and political experience among California voters.
How does California's 'top-two' primary system influence the outcome of this election?
California's 'top-two' primary system allows all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, to appear on a single ballot. The two candidates who receive the most votes then advance to the general election, even if they are from the same party. This system encourages a wider variety of candidates to run and can lead to unpredictable matchups in the final election, as voters are not restricted by party lines in the initial primary.
What are the key factors contributing to the early success of Becerra, Steyer, and Hilton in the polls?
Xavier Becerra's lead is largely attributed to his extensive political experience, including nearly 25 years in Congress and his current role as Attorney General, solidifying his base among traditional Democratic voters. Tom Steyer, a billionaire environmental activist, leverages his history as a significant donor and advocate for progressive causes. Paris Hilton's surprising third place demonstrates the power of her global name recognition and vast personal brand to attract public attention in the race.
Is Paris Hilton's strong third-place showing truly a surprise, and what does it signify?
Yes, Paris Hilton's third-place position is considered surprisingly strong given her non-traditional political background. It signifies the potential impact of name recognition and a vast public platform in modern elections, even against seasoned politicians. Her performance suggests that a candidate leveraging a strong personal brand can quickly gain traction and challenge conventional political figures, making the race more unpredictable and reflecting a diverse range of voter interests.
What implications does this early poll have for the candidates as the gubernatorial race progresses?
This initial poll serves as a significant early test for all candidates, highlighting their current name recognition and public appeal. For Becerra, it confirms his strong standing among traditional voters. For Steyer, it indicates continued relevance in state politics. Hilton's surprising performance suggests a need for other candidates to re-evaluate their strategies regarding public engagement and voter outreach, as the race is shaping up to be dynamic and unconventional.
