First Debate Marks Intense Clash Among California Governor Candidates
Six candidates competing to become California's next governor engaged in a heated debate on Wednesday, marking the first such event since the unexpected withdrawal of former congressman Eric Swalwell from the race.
The contest remains highly unpredictable, with no clear frontrunner emerging. The wide-open race to succeed outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom in the predominantly Democratic state has left nearly a third of voters undecided ahead of the June 2 primary.
Sharp differences surfaced regarding solutions to some of California's most pressing issues, including the high cost of living, housing affordability, homelessness, and concerns about artificial intelligence. However, with less than two weeks before ballots are mailed, the debate did not significantly clarify the race.
The primetime debate, hosted by Nexstar Media Group, featured two Republicans—Steve Hilton, former Fox News host and strategist for former UK Prime Minister David Cameron, and Chad Bianco, Riverside County sheriff—and four leading Democrats: billionaire Tom Steyer, former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Congresswoman Katie Porter, and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.
The Democratic candidates largely concurred on policy but competed over strategies to reduce high prices and oppose Donald Trump. The Republicans attributed the state's challenges to 16 years of unsuccessful Democratic leadership.
"The system is not working," said Hilton, who has consistently led in polls and recently received Trump's endorsement.
Regarding Newsom's management of the state's persistent homelessness crisis, most Democrats gave him a passing evaluation. Porter assigned him a "B" grade, acknowledging his recognition of housing as a fundamental cause. Hilton responded sharply:
"Wow. I'd love to take your class, Katie, if you get a B for what Gavin Newsom's done on homelessness." He added he would give Newsom an "F."
Aside from a few pointed exchanges, the debate lacked a defining moment that could shift the contest or establish a frontrunner. Nonetheless, it provided candidates a platform to introduce themselves to Californians increasingly engaged in the race.
"We need someone who knows how to govern in a crisis, not someone who's going to need training wheels the moment they walk into the governor's office," Becerra stated, highlighting his record of confronting Trump as California's attorney general.
Becerra and Mahan were late additions to the debate lineup, gaining support following Swalwell's campaign collapse. Steyer, leveraging his personal wealth to dominate media coverage, has positioned himself as a progressive leader, describing himself as "the billionaire who wants to tax other billionaires."
Porter, a protégé of progressive Senator Elizabeth Warren, emphasized her understanding of the financial struggles faced by many Californians:
"I'm not like them. I'm like you – a mom fighting for a better future for California."
As candidates sought to differentiate themselves, several Democrats criticized Steyer, who leads the Democratic field. Mahan accused Steyer of having built "only private prisons and ICE detention centers," referencing past business ventures and investments. Steyer has expressed regret over his hedge fund's previous investments. During the debate, Steyer reminded voters he was the only billionaire candidate, noting that billionaires, including many Silicon Valley figures backing Mahan, are spending heavily against him.
Throughout the hour-long debate, candidates addressed key campaign issues. Porter acknowledged a contentious incident with a staffer, captured on video, admitting it was "not the right way to treat someone." She emphasized her commitment:
"I work hard with my team to deliver for Californians."
Mahan defended his connections to the tech industry and his record as mayor of Silicon Valley's largest city. He pledged to bring a unique perspective on artificial intelligence regulation and to serve as an independent voice in Sacramento, stating he was prepared to "take on the establishment within my own party."
Becerra was questioned about whether he should have done more as chair of the Democratic caucus to address "rumors" concerning Swalwell's conduct. He responded:
"Rumors are not facts."
He praised the women who came forward with their stories and said:
"Today Eric Swalwell was facing accountability."
Swalwell, who has denied assault allegations, has vigorously contested the claims.
Bianco, asked about his recent decision to seize over half a million ballots from county election officials in a November special election, described the investigation as a "very very basic, normal investigation." After the state supreme court halted his probe, Bianco asserted:
"We're never going to know if our elections are secure."
Hilton emphasized that Trump's endorsement was an asset, despite nearly two-thirds of Californians disapproving of the former president:
"It will benefit every Californian to have a governor who is a partner on these issues with the President and his team," he said.
Challenges Ahead for California's Next Governor
The incoming governor will face an electorate increasingly pessimistic about affordability and economic prospects, according to recent polling. Bianco stated:
"We have the highest cost of living in the country because we have had one party Democrat, progressive rule for decades that is destroying the state."
Despite widespread dissatisfaction, Republican candidates face significant challenges in a state where Democrats outnumber them two to one.
The recent turmoil in the race has not alleviated Democrats' concerns that a fragmented field could allow two Republicans to advance to the November general election in California, the nation's largest blue state.
California's "jungle primary" system advances the top two vote-getters to the November election regardless of party affiliation. When asked if he would support Hilton in a general election against a Democrat, Bianco said he would not, believing both Republicans would advance. All other candidates pledged to support their party's nominee.
State Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks has urged lower-polling Democrats to exit the race, though their names will remain on the June ballot, as will Swalwell's. On Monday, former State Controller Betty Yee suspended her gubernatorial campaign and endorsed Steyer.
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, both Democrats, did not qualify for Wednesday's debate.
