Democrat Xavier Becerra holds a significant lead in the California governor’s race according to a recent poll. The survey, conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California, indicates strong voter backing for a ballot proposition aimed at reforming the state’s environmental law to expedite housing and infrastructure projects. Released Wednesday night, this poll primarily explored issues related to climate change and environmental policies.
The findings reveal a widespread aversion among Californians to constructing data centers for artificial intelligence technology. Additionally, there is substantial support for environmental protection and emission reduction efforts, with some exceptions. The late results show Becerra far ahead of Republican Steve Hilton in the race to replace the term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. Becerra, a seasoned Democratic officeholder, received support from 61% of likely voters, while Hilton garnered 36%.
Historically, Democrats dominate the state, evidenced by the GOP’s failure to win a statewide election since 2008. Just 2% of likely voters remain undecided about their choice for the November election. The polling displayed a strong partisan skew, with over 90% of Democratic and Republican voters choosing their party’s candidate. Independent voters showed a preference for Becerra at 60%, compared to Hilton’s 34%. This mirrors previous poll data from before the June 2 primary.
In a statement, Hilton described the race as contested, arguing that Becerra’s support might not be as firm as the poll suggests. Hilton emphasized the need for a fresh perspective instead of a “36-year career politician.” Becerra’s representative, Jonathan Underland, expressed optimism, stating their continued efforts to convert support into votes.
A notable proposition in the poll is a measure to alter the California Environmental Quality Act, aiming to accelerate construction. Approximately three-quarters of likely voters, crossing party lines, endorse Proposition 45. This measure seeks to shorten review periods, public comment opportunities, and legal challenge windows for specific projects.
Survey director Mark Baldassare noted, “At this early stage in the campaign, California voters are feeling more aligned with Democratic candidates on the environment, and it shows in the polling. But strong support for Proposition 45 reveals their desire to balance environmental priorities with housing and infrastructure needs.”
Opposition to constructing new data centers remains high. The poll found a significant majority of Californians against building these centers—44% “strongly oppose” and 29% “somewhat oppose” them. This opposition cuts across political affiliations, regions, gender, race, and income levels.
Particularly in the Inland Empire, plans for a large data center were halted due to resident pushback. Three-quarters of survey participants from this area opposed new data centers.
Baldassare commented, “Californians have weighed in and they share this growing concern.”
Though supportive overall, respondents exhibit caution in backing environmental policies when costs are involved. While three-quarters of adults view emission reduction policies favorably, and 65% endorse creating separate state environmental policies, only 38% agree on paying more for renewable energy-sourced electricity due to price spikes and affordability concerns.
Governor Newsom’s initiative to ban new gas-powered vehicle sales by 2035 sees substantial opposition—two-thirds of Californians disapprove. Despite declining favor, slim majorities rated Newsom and the state legislature’s handling of environmental issues positively. Former President Trump’s approval was considerably lower, following his measures to ease pollution regulations.
Baldassare concluded, “Given this ratings gap, it’s not surprising that Californians want to see the state take the lead on climate change policy.”
The survey included 1,578 adults, including 1,003 likely voters, conducted in English and Spanish from June 29 to July 6, with a margin of error of ±3.8 percentage points.