Overview
- Six candidates met in San Francisco on Wednesday for the first debate since Eric Swalwell left the race over sexual‑misconduct allegations.
- Recent polling commissioned by California Democrats shows Steve Hilton near 17% and Chad Bianco around 14%, with Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer close behind.
- Swalwell’s exit reshaped the race, with Becerra reporting a surge in small donors and endorsements from Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and others, while Betty Yee backed Steyer.
- Candidates sparred over gas taxes, affordability, homelessness, and experience, as Hilton leaned on President Donald Trump’s endorsement and Democrats warned about a two‑Republican November under the top‑two rules.
- County officials begin mailing ballots May 4, leaving a short window for consolidation before the next debate on May 5 and the June 2 primary.