Statewide research · Published

Where the 2026 California governor's race actually overlaps.

Precinct-level analysis of six Democratic candidates across six election cycles. The finding that drew attention: Katie Porter shares roughly 70% voter overlap with Tom Steyer — a result that should change how the primary field thinks about consolidation and where each campaign actually competes.

Race
CA Governor 2026
Universe
Statewide · all precincts
Cycles analyzed
6 (2018 – 2024)
Engagement type
Published research

Interactive dashboard · Toggle layers and click precincts to explore

How we got the overlap figure.

We assembled precinct-level results from six California statewide elections — the 2018 and 2022 gubernatorial cycles, the 2020 and 2024 presidential primaries, and two ballot measure cycles relevant to the candidates' issue profiles. Each candidate's likely voter universe was modeled from their actual electoral performance, weighted by precinct turnout history.

The Porter / Steyer ~70% overlap figure describes the share of precincts where both candidates' modeled support clusters land in the same tier. In practical terms: the two campaigns are competing for the same voters in the same places. The implication for consolidation strategy is the obvious one.

This analysis is published as VoterForce research. The same methodology is available as a paid engagement for campaigns and consultancies who want it run on their race.

Want this analysis run on your race?

Most precinct overlap analyses take 1–2 weeks. We start with a 20-minute scoping call to figure out the universe, the deliverable, and whether VoterForce is the right tool for what you're trying to do.

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