Overview
- The PPIC poll places Steve Hilton at 14%, Katie Porter at 13%, Chad Bianco at 12%, Eric Swalwell at 11% and Tom Steyer at 10%, with all others at 5% or less and about 10% undecided.
- California’s top-two primary advances the two highest vote-getters regardless of party, raising concerns among Democrats that a split field could allow both Republicans to move on.
- Democrats failed to secure a state party endorsement at last weekend’s convention, and SEIU urged low-polling contenders to reconsider their bids as party leaders press for consolidation.
- Republican rivals Hilton and Bianco have escalated attacks on each other after months of relative civility, a rift strategists warn could weaken the GOP’s prospects.
- San José Mayor Matt Mahan’s late entry, described as backed by Silicon Valley donors, adds uncertainty to the centrist lane as affordability tops voter concerns in polling.