Los Angeles, CA…A new polling memo from Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics finds Congressman Swalwell is the frontrunner heading into the June 2 primary. Swalwell’s message of driving down costs for working people and fighting Donald Trump continues to resonate with likely voters and increase his support.

Swalwell leads the entire field of gubernatorial candidates:

• Eric Swalwell: 17%
• Steve Hilton: 13%
• Chad Bianco: 11%
• Tom Steyer: 11%
• Katie Porter: 8%
• Xavier Becerra: 3%
• Antonio Villaraigosa: 3%

Source: Emerson College Polling, March 7-9, 2026

Swalwell’s support has increased since Emerson College’s February poll. Among registered Democratic voters, Swalwell’s support has increased from 23% to 27% since February.

Among voters who say the next governor should stand up to Trump, 25% support Swalwell, ten points higher than the next candidate.

“With less than 55 days until voters begin casting ballots, Congressman Swalwell is in the best position to make the Top Two in the June 2 primary,” said Micah Beasley, a campaign spokesperson. “Swalwell’s message of tackling the cost-of-living crisis, while fighting President Trump’s overreach continues to grow his support and bring voters into his corner.”

The poll memo can be viewed here.

Emerson College Polling surveyed: 1,000 likely June 2026 Primary voters in California. Interviews were collected via text-to-web and email-to-web methodologies from March 7–9, 2026. The survey was offered in English and has an overall margin of error of ±3.0.