**BRAND SPANKING NEW CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR POLL** Steyer 21% Hilton 18%

[karynnj]

12. Interesting in that there was enough difference from poll to poll

that the claim Swalwell was the Democratic frontrunner before the accusations was not really clear, although that last poll did have him breaking out of the top three into the lead. Now in a poll done little later, it is Steyer who is significantly ahead. ( Steyer's lead 21 vs 9 and 8 is bigger than Swalwell:s was at 18 vs 12 and 11).

From the op's link:
Swalwell has been described from time-to-time as the "frontrunner" in this contest, and his 9% showing in today's poll may be viewed suspiciously by those who have internalized that messaging. But in the 20 polls conducted in 2026 and reported in the New York Times' list here, Swalwell leads in just one poll, conducted more than one month ago, finishes second in 6, and polls between 9% and 18% in each.

All future polls will include the knowledge of the charges and that he is not running.