General Discussion

Betty Yee, who left her post as state controller in 2023, has consistently polled in the low single digits (opens in new tab) in a crowded Democratic field — often at 1% or 2%, topping out in a recent survey (opens in new tab) at 5%. Yet at the party convention, she won a shocking 17% (opens in new tab) of votes from statewide delegates, second only to East Bay Rep. Eric Swalwell, who had 24%.

“She’s beloved and respected by everyone who knows her,” Newman said. “But sadly, that alone isn’t enough to win a governor’s race.”
Yee argues that her fiscal expertise as the state’s former top financial officer is exactly what California needs. She says that as a reported $18 billion budget deficit (opens in new tab) looms next fiscal year, she can be a governor who knows where every dollar goes and how to get the most out of each one.

She has raised more than $2 million for her campaign — approximately 3% of the war chest amassed by Steyer, who has poured tens of millions of his own money into the race. Yee has frequently criticized (opens in new tab) her opponents as a “Billionaire Boys Club.” Her latest campaign finance report shows (opens in new tab) about $535,000 in cash on hand.

“I know what I’m up against,” she said. “I’ve always been the one who doesn’t raise the most.”


https://sfstandard.com/2026/03/02/betty-yee-governor-polling/