Political Breakdown
New Polling Sheds Light on November Ballot
New polling from UC Berkeley reveals California voters are uncertain about the billionaire tax, and Democratic governor candidate Xavier Becerra leads over Republican Steve Hilton.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA- MAY 5: In this photo illustration, an official voter information guide mailed to a Southern California resident, ahead of a state primary election, photographed May 5, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo Illustration by Jay L Clendenin/Getty Images)
New Berkeley IGS polling came out this week that sheds light on how Californians are thinking about November’s big ticket ballot items — including the controversial billionaire tax. Marisa is joined by Melanie Mason, California Bureau Chief and co-author of Politico’s California Playbook. They talk about the latest polling, plus Xavier Becerra’s lead over Steve Hilton in the governor’s race.
Then, they discuss the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, which Attorney General Rob Bonta has blocked, and why it’s splitting Democrats.
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