BECERRA BLASTS PAST HILTON BY 25 POINTS

A bombshell new poll has blown the California governor’s race wide open, with Democrat Xavier Becerra now surging to a commanding 25-point lead over Republican Steve Hilton. The Public Policy Institute of California survey shows Becerra backed by 61% of likely voters, compared with just 36% for the former Fox News host, a stunning reversal just weeks after the two emerged from the state’s primary. The numbers mark a dramatic swing from June 2, when Becerra finished first with about 28.1% of the vote and Hilton was right behind him at roughly 24.7%. Party lines are holding tight, with 93% of Democrats lining up behind Becerra and 90% of Republicans sticking with Hilton, while independents are breaking heavily for the Democrat too, 60% to 34%.