Results

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At G Ratings, we conducted a statewide public opinion survey to measure electoral preferences and the political climate ahead of the 2026 California Governor General Election.

We surveyed adults aged 18 and older residing in California who confirmed that they were registered to vote and intended to participate in the upcoming election.

In this study, we present the latest findings on voter preference, political affiliation, the main issues facing California, and the demographic profile of respondents.

The results show Xavier Becerra leading the general election race with 56.1%, followed by Steve Hilton with 35.5%.

General Election Preference for Governor

If the gubernatorial election in California were held today, respondents expressed the following voting preferences:

1. Xavier Becerra: 56.1%
2. Steve Hilton: 35.5%
3. Undecided: 8.4%

The results indicate that Xavier Becerra holds a strong early advantage in the California governor race, while Steve Hilton remains the main challenger among the listed candidates.

Political Affiliation of Respondents

At G Ratings, we also measured the political affiliation of survey participants. The results show a Democratic-leaning electorate, followed by Republican and independent or other voters.

1. Democratic affiliation: 46.8%
2. Republican affiliation: 27.4%
3. Independent or other affiliation: 25.8%

This distribution provides context for understanding voter preferences and the broader political environment in California ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election.

Main Issues Facing California

We surveyed respondents about what they consider the most important issue facing California today. The results show that the economy is the leading concern by a wide margin.

1. Economy, jobs, inflation, and taxes: 41.7%
2. Immigration: 13.9%
3. Crime: 11.6%
4. Healthcare: 9.8%
5. State of democracy: 8.7%
6. Education: 8.3%
7. Abortion access: 3.2%
8. Something else: 2.8%

The findings suggest that economic pressure, immigration, public safety, healthcare, and democratic stability are shaping voter priorities as California moves closer to the 2026 gubernatorial election.

Demographic Profile of the Survey

The survey included a demographic profile across gender, age, and ethnicity.

By gender, respondents were distributed as follows:

1. Male: 48.3%
2. Female: 47.5%
3. Other: 4.2%

By age group, respondents were distributed as follows:

1. 18–29 years: 15.4%
2. 30–39 years: 16.8%
3. 40–49 years: 17.2%
4. 50–59 years: 17.9%
5. 60–69 years: 18.6%
6. 70 years or older: 14.1%

By ethnicity, the survey recorded the following composition:

1. White or Caucasian: 49.6%
2. Hispanic or Latino: 28.7%
3. Asian: 12.4%
4. Other or multiple races: 5.0%
5. Black or African American: 4.3%

Methodology

At G Ratings, we conducted this survey among 825 complete questionnaires from adults aged 18 and older residing in California.

Fieldwork was conducted between July 03 and July 07, 2026. During this period, participants confirmed that they were registered to vote and intended to participate in the upcoming election.

The study used a non-probability sample design, balanced by relevant demographic and geographic variables, including gender, age group, region, education level, and ethnicity.

This process employed Odysseus, a technological platform developed by G Ratings by GobernArte S.C., incorporating algorithmic models designed to ensure a distribution consistent with reference population parameters.

Data collection was conducted through self-administered digital questionnaires accessible on mobile devices and computers. The survey was administered in English.

For a sample size of 825 questionnaires, the theoretical margin of error is estimated between ±3.5% and ±5%, assuming a 95% confidence level and simple random sampling. Because this study uses a non-probability design, the margin of error should be interpreted as an approximate statistical reference rather than an exact estimate of total study error.

The estimated refusal rate was approximately 50%, based on eligible individuals who received the invitation but did not complete the survey.

G Ratings utilizes voter registration data from the California Secretary of State to compare the party registration of voters in the sample against statewide party registration figures.

G Ratings adhered to current United States legislation regarding the protection, privacy, and confidentiality of personal data. All information provided by participants was treated anonymously and used exclusively for statistical research and public opinion analysis.

This survey was commissioned, conducted, funded, and analyzed by G Ratings, a company incorporated in the state of Florida, USA, solely for informational purposes and was neither commissioned nor funded by any pre-candidate, candidate, political campaign, or political party.