Overview
- Seven leading candidates meet in a CNN debate Tuesday at 6 p.m. PT, moderated by Kaitlan Collins and Elex Michaelson, as mail ballots go out for the June 2 primary.
- A California Democratic Party poll released Monday shows Becerra and Hilton at 18% each, with Chad Bianco at 14% and undecided voters down to 14%.
- California uses a top-two primary that advances the two highest vote-getters regardless of party, which could allow both Republicans to reach November if Democrats split their votes.
- Becerra’s rise followed Eric Swalwell’s late-April exit after sexual assault allegations he denies, shifting support in a field that had lacked a clear Democratic favorite.
- Cost of living is set to dominate the debates, with AAA reporting state gas prices averaging $6.11 per gallon and candidates splitting over suspending California’s gas tax.