Becerra widens lead in CA governor primary as ballot battles loom

A new PPIC poll shows Xavier Becerra leading the California Democratic primary with 23% to Steve Hilton’s 20% and Tom Steyer’s 15%, signaling a likely nomination and a possible November matchup against Hilton. The survey also highlights two ballot fights: a proposed one-time wealth tax leading 54–45 but facing a well-funded opposition, and a Republican-backed voter ID measure that only 49% support, with Democrats and independents largely opposed. Neither measure is yet qualified for November, while 59% of Californians favor the state’s top-two primary, a factor that could influence the race’s dynamics even before the primary.