The seven leading candidates for California governor engaged in a spirited debate, addressing critical issues such as healthcare, immigration, and the state's economic challenges. With the primary election underway, the debate offered voters a closer look at the candidates' positions and their ability to handle pressure.
The California gubernatorial race took center stage on Tuesday night as the seven leading candidates participated in a lively and often contentious debate hosted by CNN at East Los Angeles College in Monterey Park.
With primary election ballots already being returned by voters, the two-hour debate provided a platform for the five Democrats and two Republicans to engage in sharp exchanges and showcase their positions on critical issues facing the state. The debate marked a departure from previous forums, adopting a looser format that allowed candidates to directly challenge each other, offering a glimpse into their ability to handle pressure and scrutiny.
Former Attorney General and Biden cabinet member Xavier Becerra emerged as a frequent target, facing criticism from both parties. His campaign gained momentum after the exit of former Rep. Eric Swalwell, propelling Becerra from single-digit poll numbers to a more competitive position.
However, this rise has also drawn scrutiny, with rival Tom Steyer launching a series of anti-Becerra media spots and news releases, citing a campaign fund scandal involving Becerra’s aides. Becerra, typically known for his calm demeanor, responded with a more animated defense, asserting his innocence in the fund case and dismissing the 'lost kids' critique as baseless. The debate also highlighted the long-standing rivalry between Becerra and Antonio Villaraigosa, who currently stands at just 2% in the latest party poll.
Despite the heated exchanges, the debate did not appear to significantly shift the race’s dynamics. Candidates discussed pressing issues such as living costs, gasoline prices, homelessness, and immigration, with little variation among the Democrats on their stances. All candidates expressed strong opposition to President Donald Trump and pledged to protect California from his policies, a common theme in Democratic rhetoric. A notable point of contention was single-payer healthcare, a key issue for progressive activists.
Tom Steyer, positioning himself as the most progressive candidate and backed by the California Nurses Association, criticized Becerra for allegedly opposing single-payer to secure an endorsement from the California Medical Association. Becerra refrained from endorsing single-payer but expressed support for 'Medicare for all' as a solution to healthcare disparities. Katie Porter was the only other Democrat to fully endorse a single-payer system.
The Republican candidates, Steve Hilton and another contender, largely adhered to the standard GOP line, attributing California’s challenges—such as high poverty, unemployment, housing shortages, and living costs—to Democratic control of the state government. They argued that electing a Republican governor is the only solution, though this scenario is highly unlikely unless they secure the top two spots in the June 2 primary. Given California’s voter demographics, the surviving Democrat is almost certain to become the next governor.
CalMatters, the nonprofit newsroom covering statewide issues, provided in-depth analysis of the debate, highlighting the candidates’ performances and the broader implications for the state’s political landscape
California Gubernatorial Race 2026 Election Xavier Becerra Tom Steyer Katie Porter Single-Payer Healthcare
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