US EditionCalifornia's woes at the center of debate among leading candidates for governor
Candidates clashed over homelessness, taxes and social media limits for children as Democrats and Republicans tried to separate in a crowded race.
- Six leading candidates for California governor debated Wednesday at KRON Studios in San Francisco, including Republicans Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, and Democrats Tom Steyer, Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
- California's 'top two' primary system allows top vote-getters to advance regardless of party, fueling Democratic concerns that two Republicans could emerge from a crowded field of more than 50 candidates on the June 2 ballot.
- Hilton and Bianco faulted Sacramento's one-sided politics for the state's troubles, with Bianco calling the state's record on homelessness a "dismal failure." Democrats credited outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom's efforts on the crisis.
- On social media regulation for children under 16, Mahan, Hilton, and Bianco supported parental consent requirements, while Porter opposed a blanket ban, noting two of her teenage children use social media in different ways.
- The campaign remains unsettled following recent exits: U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell left amid sexual assault allegations he denies, and former state controller Betty Yee dropped out Monday, then endorsed Steyer. Mail ballots arrive early next month.
39 Articles
39 Articles
Candidates in the race for California governor answer questions during a debate on April 22, 2026, in San Francisco. (Group photo by Jason Henry/Associated Press) A televised debate among six of the leading candidates for California governor on Wednesday highlighted stark partisan divisions on issues ranging from homelessness to taxes, as Democrats sought to differentiate themselves from one another in a chaotic race without a clear frontrunner.…
Major Candidates for Governor Squared Off in San Francisco
YouTube@NewsNation The candidates for governor squared off last night in San Francisco. Four Democrats and two Republicans who are polling above five-percent were invited to participate. Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco both argued California’s problems are the result of Democratic Party politicians. Democrats Tom Steyer, Katie Porter, Matt Mahan and Xavier Becerra all said they would fight the Trump White House. The next debate i…
California's top candidates for governor square off in substantive debate
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON/NEXSTAR) — California’s six leading candidates for governor squared off on the debate stage Wednesday night in San Francisco. The debate, broadcast across Nexstar st…
Rutland Herald
California's woes at the center of debate among leading candidates for governor
Six leading candidates for California governor are jostling for advantage in a chaotic race with no clear leader. Four Democrats and two Republicans took the stage Wednesday for a televised debate. The race is the first time in a generation…
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