LOS ANGELES (AP) — Seven top contenders for California’s governor’s office took the debate stage Tuesday evening, coinciding with the start of mail-in ballot distribution across the state.
The two-hour televised debate featured five Democratic hopefuls and two Republican candidates vying to succeed departing Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. This marks the first time in decades that California has experienced such a competitive race for its top executive position, with over 50 individuals appearing on the ballot.
Participating in the debate were Republican frontrunners Steve Hilton, a conservative media personality, and Chad Bianco, who serves as Riverside County Sheriff. The Democratic lineup included Xavier Becerra, who previously served as Health and Human Services Secretary under President Biden, former Congresswoman Katie Porter, wealthy entrepreneur Tom Steyer, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and ex-Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
The election takes place as the nation’s largest state grapples with persistent homelessness issues, wildfire insurance availability problems, anticipated budget deficits, and astronomical housing prices. Citizens are simultaneously dealing with rising costs for essential items like food, utilities, and gasoline.
Republican candidates have criticized the state’s Democratic leadership for these ongoing problems, pointing to high taxation and excessive regulations that they claim are driving businesses away. Democratic contenders have focused on opposing President Donald Trump, who has given his endorsement to Hilton and maintains an adversarial relationship with California.
As the campaign window narrows, candidates are seeking standout moments to capture voter attention. Mail-in ballots started reaching households this week ahead of the June 2 primary election deadline.
Steyer, who transitioned from hedge fund management to progressive advocacy, has invested heavily from his personal wealth into advertising campaigns but hasn’t emerged as the clear leader. According to AdImpact’s tracking data, Steyer has allocated or spent close to $150 million on television, cable, and radio advertisements, significantly outspending all other competitors.
California’s electoral system places all candidates on one ballot, with the top two vote-getters advancing to November’s general election regardless of political affiliation. Democratic party officials are concerned that their crowded candidate pool might allow two Republicans to advance, creating an unprecedented disaster for the party.
The Republican Party hasn’t secured a statewide victory in California for twenty years, and Democratic voter registration exceeds Republican registration by approximately a 2-to-1 margin across the state.
The race experienced significant upheaval last month following the sudden exit of Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell, who withdrew amid sexual assault allegations. His departure from both the campaign and Congress removed one of the race’s leading contenders.
CNN served as the host network for the debate.
