New Poll Shows Actor Mel Gibson Leading Republicans In California Governor Race

A new straw poll revealed that actor Mel Gibson was the leading Republican candidate to run for governor of California.

Gibson garnered 12% in the new poll, enough to top him as the leading Republican.

The straw poll was connected to a recall effort to remove Governor Gavin Newsom.

A publicist for Gibson stated he was “flattered about the poll but is not currently throwing his hat in the race.

A new survey shows actor Mel Gibson would be the leading Republican candidate for Governor of California if he ran. A straw poll gives him 12%, just ahead of Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco with 11%. But Gibson reportedly says he won't be running

— KFI AM 640 (@KFIAM640) March 15, 2025

Check out what The Daily Wire reported:

Mel Gibson is reportedly “flattered” by the news that he’s the leading Republican candidate to run for California Governor in a new straw poll, but will not be throwing his hat in the ring.

A source close to the 69-year-old actor told TMZ that the “Braveheart” star is “flattered” by getting 12% in the poll amid a recall effort to remove Democrat CA Governor Gavin Newsom following the massive wildfires in southern California, rising crime, and more. But the source also made it clear that Gibson has no interest in the job.

In the Wednesday straw poll from The Lost Coast Outpost, Gibson leads Republicans, beating out Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco who received 11% of the vote, after becoming the only notable Republican candidate to enter the race. Former Vice President Kamala Harris and former congresswoman Katie Porter received 20% and 25% percent of the vote in the same poll that was taken among 2,640 respondents.

“He’s sticking with his day job for now,” Gibson’s publicist, Alan Nierob, told the California Globe following weeks of speculation.

Gibson has emerged as a leading figure in a recall effort against California Governor Gavin Newsom. https://t.co/DPkf46ODv5

— Newsweek (@Newsweek) March 14, 2025

Here’s what Newsweek reported:

A new survey reveals that actor and director Mel Gibson has emerged as the leading Republican candidate for California governor.

Newsweek has contacted representatives of Gibson for comment via email.

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Why It Matters
Gibson has emerged as a leading figure in a recall effort against California Governor Gavin Newsom in recent months after wildfires burned over 47,900 acres in California, destroying more than 16,250 homes and businesses, and killing at least 29 people.

Gubernatorial pollster Guillermo Williams told the California Globe that Gibson’s involvement in the recall campaign has put him in a favorable spot in California, meaning if he were to run, his popularity, especially among those frustrated with the current leadership, could galvanize conservative voters. His potential candidacy would also come at a time when Republicans have made historic gains in California. The state shifted toward the GOP by 12 points in 2024 compared to 2020.