California governor primary remains wide open one month before primary election, CBS poll finds
A CBS News poll finds the California governor's race remains highly competitive with multiple candidates bunched in the mid-teens and undecided voters outnumbering support for any single candidate. According to the analysis, cost of living and gas prices are the top voter concerns driving the race. The source notes that a fractured Democratic field with many candidates could result in two Republicans emerging from the primary, a scenario that concerns Democratic voters. Approximately three-quarters of voters said debates are important to their decision.
Verified
- ✓CBS News conducted a poll on the California governor's race. (CBS News)
- ✓Multiple candidates are bunched in the mid-teens in polling. (CBS News analysis)
- ✓Undecided voters outnumber support for any single candidate. (CBS News analysis)
- ✓Cost of living is the top voter concern. (CBS News analysis)
- ✓Gas prices are cited as a financial hardship by voters. (CBS News analysis)
- ✓Approximately three-quarters of voters say debates are important to their decision. (CBS News analysis)
- ✓The Democratic field is fractured with multiple candidates splitting the vote. (CBS News analysis)
- ✓Only a couple of Republicans are running, contrasting with many Democrats. (CBS News analysis)
Interpretation
- ~The race is best described as 'open' because candidates are bunched closely and undecided voters are numerous. (CBS News analysis)
- ~A fractured Democratic field could result in two Republicans emerging from the primary. (CBS News analysis argument)
- ~Democratic voters are concerned about the possibility of two Republicans in the race. (CBS News analysis)
- ~Voter preference for candidates continuing Gavin Newsom's policies varies by party affiliation. (CBS News analysis)
- ~Democratic voters overwhelmingly seek a candidate who will oppose President Trump on immigration and ICE. (CBS News analysis)
▸▾Why this is here
- Source
- @cbsnews
- Source type
- Commercial Newsroom (Tier 6)
- Content type
- Analysis
- Confidence
- Analysis
- Coverage
- 1 of 15 major US outlets
- Published
- April 28, 2026 at 6:15 AM PDT
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