Steve Hilton Leads Xavier Becerra in Orange County Gubernatorial Poll

A University of California, Irvine poll conducted June 9‑12 shows Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton ahead of Democrat Xavier Becerra in Orange County, California. Hilton captured 47% of the vote compared with Becerra’s 44%.

The survey indicates Hilton enjoys strong backing among local Republicans (94%) and a modest share of independents (38%), while Becerra leads among Democrats (82%) and independents (46%). Orange County, historically a Republican stronghold, has shifted toward Democratic registration in recent years, though a sizable independent electorate keeps the area competitive. Hilton’s moderate positioning and recent outreach to anti‑Trump voters are cited as factors in his lead.