{"id":7526,"date":"2026-07-16T10:00:04","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T05:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=7526"},"modified":"2026-07-16T10:00:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T05:00:04","slug":"poll-shows-most-californians-support-becerra-for-governor-ceqa-reform","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=7526","title":{"rendered":"Poll shows most Californians support Becerra for governor, CEQA reform"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div data-element=\"story-body\" data-subscriber-content=\"\">\n<p>Democrat Xavier Becerra holds a commanding lead in the California governor\u2019s race in a new poll, which also shows broad voter support for a ballot proposition to reform the state\u2019s landmark environmental law to speed up housing and infrastructure. <\/p>\n<p>The survey by the Public Policy Institute of California, released Wednesday night, focused primarily on questions related to climate change and environmental policies. <\/p>\n<p>The results show Californians have a strong distaste for building data centers for artificial intelligence technology, and largely favor the state\u2019s efforts to protect the environment and cut emissions \u2014 with some exceptions. <\/p>\n<p>The survey showed Becerra with a big lead over Republican Steve Hilton in the race to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom. Becerra, a longtime Democratic officeholder, received support from 61% of likely voters, compared with 36% for Hilton, a populist conservative who once advised a British prime minister.<\/p>\n<div class=\"enhancement\" data-click=\"enhancement\" data-align-center=\"\">\n<figure class=\"figure m-0\"> <picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/72639b3\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F79%2F2c%2F5eef106346fdb16ca10260b33e72%2F1562810-me-becerra-hilton-naleo-12-mjc.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/03bf3a4\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F79%2F2c%2F5eef106346fdb16ca10260b33e72%2F1562810-me-becerra-hilton-naleo-12-mjc.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/84e4e04\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F79%2F2c%2F5eef106346fdb16ca10260b33e72%2F1562810-me-becerra-hilton-naleo-12-mjc.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/e4c2eb0\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1024x683!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F79%2F2c%2F5eef106346fdb16ca10260b33e72%2F1562810-me-becerra-hilton-naleo-12-mjc.jpg 1024w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/a305550\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1200x800!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F79%2F2c%2F5eef106346fdb16ca10260b33e72%2F1562810-me-becerra-hilton-naleo-12-mjc.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton speaks at a lectern.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/45438ad\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F79%2F2c%2F5eef106346fdb16ca10260b33e72%2F1562810-me-becerra-hilton-naleo-12-mjc.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/c45c34e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F79%2F2c%2F5eef106346fdb16ca10260b33e72%2F1562810-me-becerra-hilton-naleo-12-mjc.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/4f9cc6e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F79%2F2c%2F5eef106346fdb16ca10260b33e72%2F1562810-me-becerra-hilton-naleo-12-mjc.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/91bdee3\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1024x683!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F79%2F2c%2F5eef106346fdb16ca10260b33e72%2F1562810-me-becerra-hilton-naleo-12-mjc.jpg 1024w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/0fa9deb\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1200x800!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F79%2F2c%2F5eef106346fdb16ca10260b33e72%2F1562810-me-becerra-hilton-naleo-12-mjc.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/0fa9deb\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1200x800!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F79%2F2c%2F5eef106346fdb16ca10260b33e72%2F1562810-me-becerra-hilton-naleo-12-mjc.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>\n<div class=\"figure-content\">\n<p>Gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton speaks at the National Assn. of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials conference in L.A. on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>(Myung J. Chun \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<p>The results are not surprising in a state where Democratic voters significantly outnumber Republicans. The GOP has not won a statewide election since 2008. <\/p>\n<p>Just 2% of likely voters said they were unsure which candidate to support in the November election. The poll results skewed heavily partisan, with more than 9 in 10 Democratic and Republican voters picking their party\u2019s respective candidate. Most independent voters leaned toward Becerra, 60%, over Hilton, 34%.<\/p>\n<p>The results are similar to data from a poll conducted just before the <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/politics\/story\/2026-06-02\/primary-election-2026-live-results-california-governor-congress-statewide\">June 2 primary election<\/a> that asked voters to pick between the two candidates. <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/california\/story\/2026-06-11\/becerra-heads-toward-november-election-with-major-edge-over-hilton-in-governors-race-poll-shows\"><u>In that survey<\/u><\/a>, 52% said they supported Becerra and 31% were for Hilton.<\/p>\n<p>In a statement Wednesday, Hilton characterized the race as \u201cwide open,\u201d contending that Becerra\u2019s support was weaker than the poll\u2019s headline figures would indicate. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cInstead of a 36-year career politician, we need a positive, energetic problem-solver with business experience and plans to make our state \u2018Califordable\u2019 \u2014 that\u2019s me,\u201d Hilton said.<\/p>\n<p>Becerra spokesman Jonathan Underland said in a statement that \u201cCalifornians got to know Xavier Becerra during the primary, and they\u2019re ready to make him their next governor. We\u2019re keeping our eyes on the prize \u2014 hitting the trail every day \u2019til November to turn that support into votes.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"support-for-ceqa-reform\" class=\"subhead\">Support for CEQA reform<\/h2>\n<p>A ballot measure aimed at reforming the California Environmental Quality Act to speed up construction notched a strong showing in the poll. <\/p>\n<p>Nearly three-quarters of likely voters, including majorities of Democrats, Republicans and independents, said that they would vote for Proposition 45. The measure would <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/oag.ca.gov\/system\/files\/initiatives\/pdfs\/Title%20and%20Summary%20%2825-0023A1%29.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">shorten windows<\/a> for environmental review, public comment and legal challenges for certain housing, transportation, water infrastructure and other projects. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cAt this early stage in the campaign, California voters are feeling more aligned with Democratic candidates on the environment, and it shows in the polling,\u201d said PPIC survey director Mark Baldassare. \u201cBut strong support for Proposition 45 reveals their desire to balance environmental priorities with housing and infrastructure needs.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"strong-data-center-opposition\" class=\"subhead\">Strong data center opposition<\/h2>\n<p>The poll found large majorities of Californians do not want new data centers to support the AI boom built in their area; 44% of adults say they \u201cstrongly oppose\u201d such projects, and 29% \u201csomewhat oppose\u201d them.<\/p>\n<p>The majority opposition holds across political parties, geographic regions, gender, race and income. It\u2019s especially pronounced in the Inland Empire, <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/california\/story\/2026-03-27\/residents-speak-out-against-proposed-data-center-in-imperial-county\">where plans for a<\/a> 950,000-square-foot data center came to a halt after fierce resident pushback. Three-quarters of people surveyed in that region said they oppose building new data centers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEvery day, we are hearing about how local communities across the nation are responding to plans for data centers,\u201d Baldassare said. \u201cCalifornians have weighed in and they share this growing concern.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"support-for-environmental-policies-except-if-they-cost-more\" class=\"subhead\">Support for environmental policies \u2014 except if they cost more<\/h2>\n<p>The poll also shows strong, if somewhat qualified, support for California\u2019s efforts to reduce climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment.<\/p>\n<p>Three-quarters of adults said policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have been a good thing overall, and 65% said they support California leaders\u2019 efforts to make their own environmental policies separate from the federal government.<\/p>\n<p>While most respondents \u2014 62% \u2014 said they favor a law requiring 100% of the state\u2019s electricity <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/politics\/la-pol-ca-renewable-energy-law-signed-20180910-story.html\">to come from renewable energy sources<\/a> within the next two decades, just 38% said they were willing to pay more for electricity sourced from renewables.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWith energy prices spiking and affordability a growing concern, Californians are just not willing to pay more for renewable energy,\u201d Baldassare said. A near-unanimous majority, 96%, said the cost of energy \u2014 including gasoline, natural gas and electricity \u2014 is a problem.<\/p>\n<p>Newsom\u2019s move to <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/business\/story\/2022-08-25\/california-ban-gasoline-mandate-zero-emission-2035\">ban the sale of<\/a> new gas-powered vehicles in the state by 2035 also appears to have fallen out of favor. Two-thirds of Californians oppose the policy, a significant slip in approval from 2021, when <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ppic.org\/blog\/most-support-californias-leadership-in-climate-change-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\">a PPIC survey<\/a> showed 49% supported the move.<\/p>\n<p>Still, majorities of likely voters \u2014 53% and 51%, respectively \u2014 said they approve of Newsom\u2019s and the state Legislature\u2019s handling of environmental issues. <\/p>\n<p>At 28%, President Trump\u2019s approval rating on the environment was much lower. In his second term, Trump has moved to slash environmental regulations, including <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/world-nation\/story\/2026-02-20\/trump-administration-eases-limits-on-coal-plants-for-emitting-mercury-other-toxins\">easing pollution regulations<\/a> on coal-fired power plants and <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/california\/story\/2026-03-13\/trump-administration-orders-restart-of-california-coastal-oil-drilling\">pushing for oil drilling off<\/a> California\u2019s coast.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGiven this ratings gap, it\u2019s not surprising that Californians want to see the state take the lead on climate change policy,\u201d Baldassare said.<\/p>\n<p>The survey polled 1,578 California adults, 1,003 of whom were likely voters, in English and Spanish from June 29 to July 6 and had a margin of error of 3.8 percentage points in either direction.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl30214220.effectivecpmnetwork.com\/9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\"><\/div>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Democrat Xavier Becerra holds a commanding lead in the California governor\u2019s race in a new poll, which also shows broad voter support for a ballot proposition to reform the state\u2019s landmark environmental law to speed up housing and infrastructure. The survey by the Public Policy Institute of California, released Wednesday night, focused primarily on questions&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7527,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/fc12863\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4103x2154+0+352\/resize\/1200x630!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F21%2Fac%2F455b901e4abe95e910bdb25836f3%2F1562810-me-becerra-hilton-naleo-06-mjc.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7526","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-hub"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7526","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7526"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7526\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/7527"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7526"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7526"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7526"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}