Overview
- Six leading candidates clashed in a Nexstar debate in San Francisco on Wednesday, revealing sharp divides on cost of living, housing and homelessness, California’s gas tax, and whether to bar social media for minors.
- An Evitarus poll conducted April 15–17, after Eric Swalwell quit the race and resigned from Congress over misconduct allegations, found Xavier Becerra up to 13% from 4%, with Republicans Steve Hilton at 16% and Chad Bianco at 14%.
- California uses a top-two primary on June 2 that advances the two highest vote-getters regardless of party, which raises the chance Republicans make the November ballot as Democrats split support.
- President Donald Trump has endorsed Steve Hilton, a point Hilton embraced in the debate, while fellow Republican Chad Bianco pressed broad attacks on Democratic governance as Democrats criticized Trump.
- County officials begin mailing ballots May 4, compressing the window for campaigns to turn debate moments and new endorsements, including Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas backing Becerra, into votes.