WASHINGTON – Democratic frontrunner Xavier Becerra has opened a significant lead in California's race for governor just days before the June 2 primary election, according to a closely-watched new poll that says the battle for second place is essentially a toss-up.

Becerra, the former California Attorney General and U.S. Health and Human Services secretary in the Biden administration, now leads with 28% support among likely voters, the latest – and final – Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics survey released May 30 shows.

That’s a sharp increase for Becerra from earlier surveys, and it places him well ahead of fellow Democrat Tom Steyer at 22% and Republican conservative commentator Steve Hilton at 21% in the congested race.

Becerra is seeking to become California's first elected Latino governor since the late 19th century by succeeding current Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is termed out in January. California Democratic Party chair Rusty Hicks told USA TODAY earlier this month he has been impressed by Becerra's surge.

Becerra's candidacy had been flailing earlier this year, repeatedly polling in single digits, until former California Congressman Eric Swalwell departed from the gubernatorial race in April over allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, which he denies.

Since the most recent Emerson poll in mid-May, Becerra’s support increased by 9%, Steyer’s by 5%, Hilton’s by 4%, and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco’s by 1%. Support for Democrats Katie Porter and Matt Mahan dropped by 5% and 3%, respectively.

Another new statewide poll released May 27 by the Public Policy Institute of California also showed Becerra steadily rising.

In that poll, Beccera is leading the field with 23%, followed by Hilton at 20% and Steyer, the progressive billionaire entrepreneur and climate activist, with 15% ahead of the state's nonpartisan, or "jungle," primary.

The top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the general election in November. Hilton, a former Fox News contributor, has been endorsed by President Donald Trump.

Becerra also served in Congress for over two decades, representing California in the House of Representatives from 1993 until 2017.

A third recent poll by Echelon Insights, released May 22, showed Hilton – the poll's sponsor – leading the field with 25% of likely voters in the race.

Emerson’s polling had shown Becerra tied with Hilton at 19%, with Steyer close behind at 17% just two weeks ago.

Emerson surveyed 1,000 likely voters May 27-28 and reported a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points, meaning Steyer and Hilton are effectively tied, with 4% of those polled still undecided.

When undecided voters were asked to decide who they would support, Becerra’s support remained at 28%, and Hilton and Steyer both received 23%.

That means Steyer and Hilton both have paths to advance to the November general election, said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling.

“If Chad Bianco’s support erodes by Election Day, Hilton is positioned to benefit,” Kimball said. “Steyer’s path to the runoff depends on mobilizing younger voters while limiting further gains by Becerra, whose growing coalition could siphon support from Steyer.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Xavier Becerra surges ahead of crowded pack in CA governor primary