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3w ago

California Governor Hopefuls Clash in CNN Debate as Early Votes Arrive

The top-two primary format raises the chance that a splintered Democratic vote could vault two Republicans into the November runoff.

(L/R) Democratic candidate Antonio Villaraigosa, Democratic candidate Katie Porter, Democratic candidate Tom Steyer, Republican candidate Steve Hilton, Republican candidate Chad Bianco, Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra and Democratic candidate Matt Mahan participate in a California gubernatorial debate at the East Los Angeles College Auditorium in Monterey Park, California, on May 5, 2026. Seven candidates for California governor are participating in the third televised debate, ahead of the June 2, 2026 primary elections. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Seven contenders debated on CNN on Tuesday in East Los Angeles as mail ballots for the June 2 top-two primary arrived.
  • Xavier Becerra, lifted by polls after Eric Swalwell quit, drew most attacks over a campaign-fund theft case involving former aides and over his healthcare stance, which he said still backs Medicare for All.
  • Republicans Steve Hilton, endorsed by President Donald Trump, and Sheriff Chad Bianco pressed for change and faced scrutiny over Trump and election policing, intensifying Democrats’ fears about vote-splitting.
  • Cost of living dominated, with gas above $6 a gallon, fights over taxes including a proposed one-time billionaire wealth tax, and sharp divides on single-payer healthcare.
  • Tom Steyer’s self-funded blitz continued to dwarf rivals, with AdImpact tracking nearly $150 million in TV, cable, and radio ads.