California's top-two primary system could produce an unusual outcome in the governor's race, with Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco running first and second, not necessarily because of a surge in GOP support, but because a crowded Democrat field is splitting the vote.
Since all candidates compete on the same primary ballot and only the top two advance to November, some analysts say the fragmentation on the left could let two Republicans secure those spots, setting up a general election without a Democrat candidate in a state that typically leans heavily blue.
A new poll released Tuesday by Evitarus shows Hilton and Bianco leading among voters for the June 2 primary, with Hilton at 16% and Bianco at 14%.
The survey, sponsored by state Democrats, shows leading Democrats — including Eric Swalwell, Katie Porter, and Tom Steyer — all clustered around 10%, with others like Xavier Becerra, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Matt Mahan stuck in the low single digits.
With roughly 24% of voters still undecided, the fragmented field has prevented any Democrat from consolidating support, raising the possibility that both Republicans could advance to November — an outcome that would leave a heavily Democrat state without a Democrat on the general election ballot.
The survey of 2,000 likely California voters was conducted March 12-17 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.19%.
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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