Seven of the leading contenders in California’s unexpectedly dramatic race for governor faced off on Tuesday night in a feisty, high-stakes showdown as voters began casting ballots in the state’s nonpartisan primary. The heightened tenor of the two-hour debate reflected how important the candidates viewed the event, which aired on CNN to a national audience.
Key Moments from the Debate
Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host who has consistently led the jumbled field, said: “This is a very serious moment for California. The ballots are out there in your hands, and we have a really big choice to make, which is, do we go for another four years of one party rule?”
The tumultuous contest to succeed outgoing Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom began to take clearer shape weeks after former Democratic congressman Eric Swalwell suddenly withdrew amid sexual assault and harassment allegations, which he strongly denies. Millions of voters across the state have already received their mail-in ballots before the 2 June primary, leaving little time for lower-polling Democrats to break through.
Becerra’s Rise and Attacks
Xavier Becerra, the former secretary of health and human services under Joe Biden, has seen a remarkable turnaround after Swalwell’s exit. He argued that he was the most qualified candidate to help navigate California’s challenges, from the high cost of living and soaring gas prices to homelessness and climate preparedness. “You have to deliver,” he said. “And I have a proven record of delivering results.” Becerra’s sudden contention made him a prime target on Tuesday night, prompting him to quip that it was “nice to hear my name” so frequently.
Hilton, who was director of strategy to former UK Prime Minister David Cameron and has been endorsed by Donald Trump, faces an uphill battle in a state where Democrats enjoy supermajorities in the state legislature and hold a two-to-one advantage in voter registration. He argued that the state needs “some fresh thinking after 16 years of one-party rule.”
Field Narrows and Party Fears Ease
Signs that the contest is narrowing have eased fears among Democrats that a fractured field might allow two Republicans to slip through to the November general election. Under California’s “jungle primary,” the top two vote-getters advance regardless of party. A recent survey by the California Democratic Party found that the number of undecided voters had shrunk from 24% in early April to 14%.
Trump was a frequent target of attack, with Democrats blaming high gas prices on his policies and assailing his administration’s immigration and climate policies. Becerra called Trump California’s “real menace,” while former California congresswoman Katie Porter was more blunt: “Donald Trump sucks.” Hilton refused to criticize Trump, even though most Californians disapprove of him. He ignored a question from former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who pressed him to admit Trump lost the 2020 election. “Election denial certainly is running a campaign in a different way,” San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan shot back at Hilton.
Healthcare and Tax Debates
Several candidates pressed Becerra to clarify his position on single-payer healthcare. “I am absolutely for Medicare for all,” Becerra said, adding that as governor he would work to “build” towards the system. Villaraigosa accused Becerra of flip-flopping, which Becerra denied. Porter accused him of being the “only one who won’t” clearly answer the question, “and to me, with health care on the line, that’s disqualifying.”
Hedge fund founder turned climate activist Tom Steyer has sought to rally progressives, casting himself as a “class traitor” whom other billionaires are trying to defeat. “I’m the change-agent. I’m the progressive,” said Steyer, who has spent over $130 million of his own fortune on his bid. But he found himself on the defensive as rivals attacked his wealth and his former hedge fund’s investments in fossil fuels and private prisons.
Mahan positioned himself as the only Democrat willing to take on Trump and his own party. “We don’t need Maga values but we don’t need more of the same,” he said. The candidates split on a proposed billionaire tax that recently qualified for the ballot. Porter said she wants to tax the highest income earners more but believed the initiative was “simply not good tax policy.” Steyer said he would vote for it but argued the state needs to tax corporations more. Villaraigosa warned that new taxes would push businesses and high-income earners to flee the state.
Unexpected Exchanges and Endorsements
The debate also produced unexpected exchanges, with Republican Sheriff Chad Bianco defending his past membership in the Oath Keepers, a far-right extremist group implicated in the January 6 assault on the US Capitol. “I don’t think an Oath Keeper is qualified to be governor,” Villaraigosa shot back. During a cross-talk moment, Porter, the only female candidate, interjected: “Boys, boys! Enough with the bickering.” She then confronted questions about her management style, which have dogged her campaign since a viral video of her snapping at a staffer surfaced. “I can’t believe that on a stage with 30 minutes of interrupting and bickering and name-calling and shouting and disrespect for everyone up here who’s stepping into public service,” she said, “that anyone wants to talk about my temperament.”
Becerra and Steyer arrived touting endorsements from two California icons: labor activist Dolores Huerta supported Becerra, while former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown backed Steyer. On Monday, the powerful SEIU California endorsed both Steyer and Becerra, having previously rescinded its endorsement of Swalwell after the allegations against him.
