California Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra is leading the race for governor despite a record-breaking spending blitz from fellow Democrat Tom Steyer.Becerra, the former California attorney general and Biden administration health secretary, and Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News contributor, sit atop a crowded field of candidates heading into next week’s California primary, according to new polling from the Public Policy Institute of California.The survey found Becerra leading with 23% support, followed closely by Hilton at 20%. Steyer placed third with 15%, while Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco drew 13%, and former California Democratic Rep. Katie Porter secured 12%. No other candidate reached double digits.
The results come as Steyer, the former hedge fund manager turned left-wing activist, pours unprecedented sums of money into the race. According to advertising tracker AdImpact, Steyer has spent or reserved more than $195 million on broadcast television, cable, and radio advertising.
The massive ad buy is more than 20 times the amount spent by Becerra and has already surpassed the previous California gubernatorial spending record set by Republican Meg Whitman, who spent $178.5 million during her unsuccessful 2010 campaign.
