US EditionLeading candidates to square off in TV debate at critical point in California governor's race
Six leading contenders are seeking a breakout as mail ballots near, while Democrats worry a crowded field could send two Republicans to November.
- Six California gubernatorial candidates convene Wednesday for a televised debate hosted by NewsNation, seeking a breakout moment in a chaotic race with no clear leader as mail ballots prepare to go to voters early next month ahead of the June 2 primary.
- The race has been reshaped by recent withdrawals: U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell exited after sexual assault allegations he denies, and former state controller Betty Yee dropped out Monday, prompting Democrats to worry the crowded field could allow two Republicans to advance under California's top-two primary system.
- Republicans Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host campaigning on lowering cost of living, and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a 30-year police veteran focused on affordability and public safety, face Democrats Tom Steyer, Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter, and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.
- Becerra received Democratic Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas's endorsement yesterday, while Steyer gained Betty Yee's backing; moderators Nikki Laurenzo and Frank Buckley will guide candidates competing to distinguish themselves by stressing records or challenging rivals.
- Republicans Hilton and Bianco will fault Sacramento's one-sided politics and ineffective spending on homelessness, while Democrats largely agree on lowering household costs and countering President Donald Trump, with Becerra leveraging four decades of state experience and Steyer emphasizing climate activism.
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28 Articles
The Streamline: California gubernatorial candidates spar in fiery debate
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Calif. gov. candidates face off in debate over gas prices, homelessness, illegal immigration, Swalwell allegations
Six candidates in the running for Governor of California faced questions in the first debate since a Democrat frontrunner dropped out of the race following a scandal, leaving Democrats to regroup and identify a new leader for their party candidate.
Top candidates for California governor spar over wealth, experience and race in fiery debate
The debate takes place at a critical moment in the gubernatorial race. Ballots will start landing in mailboxes in less than two weeks, and voters are split by a crowded field of candidates.
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