Trump-Pick Steve Hilton Gets California Poll Boost After TV Debate  

Republican Steve Hilton moved into first place in California’s June 2 gubernatorial primary in a new late-April poll that showed him leading following a major televised debate.

A new SurveyUSA poll conducted April 28–May 1 shows Hilton leading California’s open primary field with 20 percent, a two-point edge over billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer after their first televised debate, which aired on CBS on April 28.  

Hilton, who has the backing of President Donald Trump, has consolidated support on the right as the race tightens. Trump’s endorsement has elevated Hilton’s national profile and added fresh attention to a contest where even small polling shifts are beginning to matter more.  

Steve Hilton is leading the field because Californians are ready for real change,” Hector Barajas, communications director for Steve Hilton for Governor, told Newsweek.  

“People are tired of the same failed politicians and the same failed excuses, while costs keep rising and families are being pushed out of the state. Steve’s Califordable agenda to lower costs, make communities safer, and build a government that actually works for working people is clearly resonating with voters across California.”  

A narrowing field—accelerated by the exits of Eric Swalwell and Betty Yee—is beginning to concentrate support and reshape the race’s top-two dynamics, although Hilton’s rise from 18 percent to 20 percent in the latest poll does not take into account the impact of a subsequent debate on CNN.

Voters in the June 2 primary face a fluid race where debate performance and late movement could reshape which two candidates advance to November.

Newsweek has contacted Steyer's campaigns for comment