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5d ago

Chaotic California Governor Debate Leaves Race Wide Open

Voters face a tight, unsettled field with many still undecided.

From left: Democratic candidate Tony Thurmond, Republican candidate Chad Bianco, Democratic candidate Tom Steyer, Republican candidate Steve Hilton, Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra, Democratic candidate Katie Porter, Democratic candidate Matt Mahan and Democratic candidate Antonio Villaraigosa participate in a California gubernatorial debate at Bridges Auditorium on the campus of Pomona College in Claremont, California, on April 28. The eight candidates for California governor are participating in the second televised debate, ahead of the June 2, 2026 primary elections.
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(Left to right) Chad Bianco, Xavier Becerra, Tom Steyer, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Antonio Villaraigosa and Steve Hilton.

Overview

  • The eight-candidate debate, held Tuesday at Pomona College, devolved into frequent interruptions and sharp exchanges without producing a clear frontrunner.
  • A CBS News/YouGov poll shows Steve Hilton at 16%, Tom Steyer at 15% and Xavier Becerra at 13%, with 26% of likely voters undecided and affordability topping concerns.
  • Xavier Becerra, buoyed since Eric Swalwell’s exit, drew sustained attacks, while Tom Steyer’s more than $130 million in self-funded ads included new hits on rivals.
  • Candidates clashed over costs, with several backing a gas tax suspension and every candidate saying yes to mandatory treatment for unhoused people who repeatedly refuse housing offers.
  • California’s top-two primary advances the two highest vote-getters regardless of party, a setup that has Democrats worried about a two-Republican November as mail ballots go out and a CNN debate follows on May 5.