The latest Emerson poll, conducted on October 20 and October 21, shows Hilton with a slim lead in the crowded field to replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom in California next year. The Republican has the support of 16 percent of California’s likely voters, whereas Porter is backed by 15 percent.

As speculation continues about another contender jumping into the race, polling also shows a plurality of voters are still undecided.

State Attorney General Rob Bonta announced California will deploy its own election observers after U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said DOJ would monitor polls in five counties.

California will elect its next governor in 2026 when Gavin Newsom, who has served in the role since 2019, will see his term end. The state uses a jungle primary system, where all candidates, regardless of political party, run on a single ballot for the primary. The two candidates with the most support advance to the general election.