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Becerra Leads Poll; Steyer’s “Risky” Ad Sparks Legal Threat

6/2/2026

29 5 Full Breakdown

Left

Steyer Accuses Becerra

An Emerson College poll May 27-28 showed Xavier Becerra at 28 % support, Tom Steyer at 22 %, and Steve Hilton at 21 %.
Tom Steyer released a TV ad titled “Risky” alleging Attorney General Xavier Becerra could face criminal charges, prompting cease-and-desist letter.
His campaign claimed he is the only candidate free of special-interest ties.
Corporations and unions have spent over $18.7 million supporting Becerra nationally.

Right

Hilton Threatens Runoff

Hilton warned that a primary runoff leaving only Democrats on the ballot would jeopardize California’s democratic stability.
A $100 million Fraud Strike Force was created by Steve Hilton to probe Gavin Newsom and Rob Bonta for $425 billion fraud.
Chad Bianco was urged by Hilton to exit the race, citing a GOP ‘Doomsday Scenario.’
Hilton pledged to end wind/solar mandates, halve the gas tax, and speed affordable-housing construction.

History

Historical Context

California’s recall power, created by the 1911 Progressive reforms of Governor Hiram Johnson, was invoked in October 2003 when activists gathered more than 1.6 million signatures—well above the 897,156 required—to oust Democratic Governor Gray Davis. The vote, 55.4% in favor, installed Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger, showing how massive fundraising can reshape state politics.

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Steyer Accuses Becerra

An Emerson College poll May 27-28 showed Xavier Becerra at 28 % support, Tom Steyer at 22 %, and Steve Hilton at 21 %.
Tom Steyer released a TV ad titled “Risky” alleging Attorney General Xavier Becerra could face criminal charges, prompting cease-and-desist letter.
His campaign claimed he is the only candidate free of special-interest ties.
Corporations and unions have spent over $18.7 million supporting Becerra nationally.

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