Overview
- Following Wednesday’s KRON4/Nexstar debate in San Francisco, four Democrats and two Republicans shared a stage for the first time since Eric Swalwell quit the race and resigned from Congress over sexual‑misconduct allegations he denies.
- Recent polling used to set the lineup shows Republican Steve Hilton near 17% with a Trump endorsement and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco close behind around 14%, with many voters still undecided.
- Xavier Becerra has picked up steam since Swalwell’s departure, reporting a surge of small‑dollar donations and winning backing from Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, while former state controller Betty Yee left the race and endorsed Tom Steyer.
- Affordability dominated the debate as candidates split over California’s gas tax, with Republicans calling for deep cuts or repeal and Democrats resisting broad rollbacks while tying costs to long‑term infrastructure and climate goals.
- Mail ballots go out in early May ahead of the June 2 primary, and under the top‑two rules the two highest vote‑getters advance regardless of party, which has Democrats warning that a split vote could send both Republicans to November.