Rep. Eric Swalwell, one of President Donald Trump's fiercest critics in Congress, is the leading Democrat candidate for governor of California, according to a new poll.
However, Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco leads the overall gubernatorial field at 13%, Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics survey results found.
Swalwell (12%) effectively jumped to the front of a crowded field almost immediately after entering the race, running virtually neck-and-neck with former Rep. Katie Porter (11%) among Democrats and landing in the overall top tier statewide.
The poll results released Thursday show Republican Steve Hilton also at 12%.
A striking 31% of voters remain undecided, highlighting how unsettled the contest is heading into California's June 2026 nonpartisan primary, where the top two finishers advance to the general election regardless of party.
Porter maintains a modest advantage in personal image. She was viewed more favorably by voters by about six points in the survey, an edge that could matter in a contest likely to turn on turnout and intensity.
Her standing, however, has taken hits in recent months after viral videos drew criticism of her demeanor on the campaign trail, including one clip in which she cut short an October interview when pressed about appealing to Trump voters.
Since Emerson College's October poll, Bianco gained two points, Hilton dropped four, and Porter slid four as Swalwell entered the race and scrambled the Democrat lane.
Among Democratic Party primary voters, Emerson found Swalwell and Porter splitting support, while Republicans divided between Bianco and Hilton. Independents were the least committed, with a plurality (45%) saying they were undecided.
The poll also provided a breakdown of how Californians view their state's direction on key issues.
Thirty-four percent said the economy is California's most important issue, followed by housing affordability at 25%. Immigration and "threats to democracy" each registered at 10%.
Only 7% rated the state economy "excellent," while 36% called it "poor."
Notably, 51% said Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom is most responsible for the state of the economy, compared with 27% who blame Trump.
Newsom, who is term-limited, holds a 47% job approval rating in the Emerson survey, with 39% disapproving. Voters are evenly split on whether his endorsement would help or hurt a candidate.
Swalwell formally launched his bid in a Nov. 20 made-for-TV moment, announcing his candidacy on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and casting himself as a "fighter" for the state while continuing his long-running feud with Trump.
But with crime, affordability, and the economy dominating concerns, and with a Republican currently leading the field, California's governor's race is shaping up as a rare test of whether Democrats can keep voters focused on Trump or whether voters will demand results closer to home.
Newsmax Wires contributed to this report.
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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