A new Emerson College poll reveals an interesting shift in who Californians blame for the state’s economic problems–and it may be having an impact on the governors race. Forty-four percent blame President Trump, compared with 38 percent blaming Governor Gavin Newsom. A year ago, Newsom was blamed by 51 percent, Trump by just 27 percent.
This shift may be being felt in the governor’s race. Democrat Xavier Becerra, despite his seeming refusal to engage in actual campaigning, with a commanding lead over Republican Steve Hilton in California’s race for governor.
Becerra leads 60 to 33 percent, with seven percent undecided. When undecided voters are pressed to choose, the margin grows to 64 to 36. Among independents, Becerra leads by ten points–which could perhaps be considered a bright spot for Hilton.
And according the poll, despite California’s chronic un-affordability problems, Newsom’s approval rating stands at 46 percent.
The economy is the number-one concern for 45 percent of voters. Emerson surveyed one thousand likely California voters, with a margin of error of approximately three percentage points. Election Day is November third, but vote-by-mail is underway.
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