Exclusive | Californians reveal how they really feel about Gavin Newsom in latest poll

Gov. Gavin Newsom has mixed reviews from primary voters, according to a new California Post-McLaughlin Associates poll.

About 50% of likely primary voters disapproved of Newsom’s job performance, while around 49% approved. A small 1.6% of voters didn’t know how they felt about the governor.

The poll surveyed 800 voters from May 26 to May 28, carrying a margin of error of 3.5% at a 95% confidence level.

Pollster John McLaughlin told The California Post that Newsom is a “polarizing” figure.

“Gavin Newsom is polarizing. Only 49% of all voters approve of the job Gavin Newsom is doing, while 50% disapprove of the job he’s done, including 22% among Democrats.

“Most Californians want change,” McLaughlin added.

Newsom has yet to make an endorsement choice in California’s gubernatorial race. In the poll, Democrat billionaire Tom Steyer is tied with Republican Steve Hilton at 25% support, with Xavier Becerra coming in third with 19%.

McLaughlin noted that while Hilton is leading with Republicans and independents, Steyer and Becerra are battling it out for Democratic support. “Republicans and independents have put Steve Hilton among the leaders, but the real battle is among Steyer and Becerra for Democratic votes,” McLaughlin said.

“The lack of Democratic support for Hilton has him frozen. Democrats make up about half the electorate.

”This is the real primary within the primary, and Tom Steyer appears to be surging among Democrats.”

Newsom’s negative job approval rating also comes with heavy signals from voters that they believe the state is heading in the wrong direction. Just 29% of those surveyed believed California was heading in the right direction, while about 56% said the state was on the wrong track.

The numbers don’t bode well with Newsom, who is likely looking to tout his success in California as part of his potential 2028 presidential bid. He has yet to reveal whether he will run for president, but the field of Democrats for the next presidential election is expected to be large.

On a local front in Los Angeles, the poll revealed voters prefer Spencer Pratt in the Los Angeles mayor’s race. Pratt now leads the field with 30.1% support, compared with 29.5% for incumbent Karen Bass, setting up a razor-thin race heading into next week’s primary.

Socialist councilwoman Nithya Raman sits in third place at 23.4%.

The California Post reached out to Newsom’s office for comment.

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters