SAN FRANCISCO – (INT) – It’s anyone’s guess how California voters will decide the primary race for governor in the June primary.

A survey released Wednesday by the Public Police Institute of California (PPIC) found a dead heat among five contenders: GOP commentator Steve Hilton, former Democratic Rep. Katie Porter, GOP Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Dublin, and Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer.

“This is an early read on the governor’s race,” said PPIC Survey Director Mark Baldassare. “At this point, any of these candidates could make the top two.”

The June primary will narrow the field to two candidates who will face off in November to see who will succeed Gavin Newsom who is “termed out” and can’t seek reelection.

Story Date: February 26, 2026