CNN to host California gubernatorial debate ahead of November election
The hour-long event will be the candidates’ first one-on-one debate and will air without a studio audience on CNN.
- On September 30, Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton will face off in a nationally televised debate hosted by CNN in Burbank, moderated by anchors Dana Bash and Jake Tapper.
- To qualify for this stage, candidates raised at least $1 million and secured 15% support in two polls; Becerra and Hilton previously shared the stage during a CNN event last May.
- Following weeks of accusations from Hilton that his opponent was avoiding debates, Becerra promised on August 19 to participate in multiple forums, though Hilton remained skeptical of the commitment.
- As the state chooses a successor to termed-out Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, voters will observe sharp contrasts on taxes and spending; California has not elected a Republican governor in 20 years.
- The debate occurs shortly before county officials begin mailing ballots; according to California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, early voting locations and ballot drop-off sites for the November 3 Election Day will become available starting October 5.
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NEWS HEADLINES: Calif. gubernatorial race: Becerra agrees to debate Hilton in televised general election debate broadcast – One America News Network
(L) California gubernatorial candidate former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) / (R) Republican candidate Steve Hilton participates in a California gubernatorial debate on May 5, 2026. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP via Getty Images) OAN Staff Brooke Mallory4:27 PM – Tuesday, September 8, 2026 In a major development for the California gubernatorial race, Democrat candidate Xav…
Steve Hilton to debate Becerra in race for California governor on Sept. 30
The debate will take place on September 30 at 9 p.m. Eastern and will be moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. The event will take place in Southern California, the outlet confirmed.
Becerra Finally Agrees to CNN Debate With Hilton
Xavier Becerra has finally agreed to debate Republican Steve Hilton, as first reported by the Los Angeles Times. The Democratic frontrunner and former Biden Health and Human Services secretary will face the conservative commentator and author of Califailure on Sept. 30 on CNN, with Dana Bash and Jake Tapper moderating. Hilton announced the matchup Tuesday morning after weeks of accusing Becerra of running out the clock in a race to succeed Gov.…
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