Overview
- The seven leading candidates met for a nationally televised CNN debate in Monterey Park at East Los Angeles College less than a month before the June 2 primary, with mail ballots already reaching voters.
- Analysts said the two-hour broadcast was marred by frequent interruptions and cross-talk and did not produce a decisive shift in the standings.
- Antonio Villaraigosa drew notice by pressing Steve Hilton on his stance about the 2020 presidential election and immigration and by challenging Xavier Becerra over his federal health role and a case tied to former campaign aides, while defending the state’s high-speed rail project.
- Xavier Becerra continued to consolidate support following Eric Swalwell’s exit, which Los Angeles Times analysis said has strengthened his position among the top contenders.
- Republican tactics split on tone, with Trump-backed Steve Hilton taking a milder approach as Sheriff Chad Bianco leaned on confrontational claims about election fraud and immigration that drew pushback on stage.