Two Republicans are leading California's gubernatorial race according to a new poll, while a separate court ruling has allowed a controversial ballot recount to continue in the state.

A poll of 2,000 likely voters conducted by Evitarus Research and commissioned by the California Democratic Party found conservative political commentator Steve Hilton leading with 16% support, followed by Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco at 14%. The results suggest the Democratic vote is being split among a large field of candidates in the primary race.

Separately, a three-judge panel denied a request by California Attorney General Rob Bonta to halt Bianco's recount of 650,000 ballots from the November 2025 special election. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department seized the ballots as part of what Bianco has characterized as an investigation.

Bonta filed a petition with the Fourth Appellate District on Monday, arguing that the sheriff's investigation "threatens to sow distrust and jeopardize public confidence" in upcoming elections, according to the Los Angeles Times. However, the court panel rejected the attorney general's bid to stop the recount.

The poll results have raised concerns among Democrats about the possibility of two Republicans advancing to a runoff in the traditionally liberal state. California's primary system allows the top two vote-getters to advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation.

Bianco's dual role as both a gubernatorial candidate and the official conducting the ballot recount has created an unusual situation in California politics, with the sheriff's actions drawing scrutiny from state officials while he campaigns for higher office.