Exclusive | Steve Hilton trails Xavier Becerra in California governors race but voters dislike Becerra more: poll

Xavier Becerra looks like he’ll run away with the California governor’s race in a matchup with Republican Steve Hilton — but voters aren’t exactly thrilled about it.A new poll commissioned by Hilton’s campaign found Becerra, a career politician of more than three decades, leading the governor’s race 52% to 37%.And yet, just 32% of likely California voters viewed the Democrat favorably, which was the same figure as Hilton’s favorable rating.Echelon Insights’ poll this month — obtained exclusively by The California Post — found that Becerra had a higher unfavorable rating, at 37% to Hilton’s 30%.

The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story The numbers suggest Becerra’s substantial lead in the race owes more to Democrats’ overwhelming voter registration advantage than any broad enthusiasm for his campaign.

Becerra has ducked reporters and held few events since the June primary election.Hilton also remains unfamiliar to many voters.

Twenty-one percent said they had never heard of the Republican, compared with 15% who had never heard of Becerra.“A majority of Californians want change, not more of the same,” Hilton told The Post.“As we get closer to the election, we’ll be asking a simple question: why would you vote the same way and expect a different result?” He added, “Everyone knows Becerra wouldn’t change anything, and would just be a rubber stamp for the costs and craziness from his Democrat friends in Sacramento.”President Donald Trump, who endorsed Hilton, fared worse with California voters than both gubernatorial candidates, with 28% viewing Trump favorably and 64% unfavorably.“This poll shows that the only strategy Democrats have got — trying to tie me to President Trump — has completely failed,” Hilton said. “Cal...