US EditionCalifornia candidates for governor tangle in messy TV debate with mail ballots about to go out
Eight candidates traded attacks on housing, gas prices and insurance as 26% of likely voters remained undecided, pollsters said.
- Eight California gubernatorial candidates gathered at Pomona College in Claremont on Tuesday for a 90-minute televised debate seeking to replace Governor Gavin Newsom.
- With mail ballots heading to voters in less than a week, 61 candidates qualified for the June 2 primary election ballot under California's open primary system, where the two highest vote-getters advance regardless of party.
- San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan dismissed former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra's healthcare proposals, while former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter accused billionaire Tom Steyer of hypocrisy over past fossil fuel investments.
- Republican Steve Hilton leads the field with 16% support among likely voters, though a significant 26% remain undecided heading into the June 2 primary.
- President Donald Trump remains a focal point in the race, with candidates debating his influence and endorsements before reconvening for another televised debate on May 5.
49 Articles
49 Articles
California candidates for governor tangle in messy TV debate
Eight candidates running to become governor of California lobbed heated criticism at each other Tuesday in a chaotic televised debate filled with interruptions, tense exchanges and verbal detours — even at times from moderators.
Biggest Moments of Tuesday Night's California Governor's Debate
California candidates faced off Tuesday night in the fourth major gubernatorial debate of the year. Here are the top 10 standout moments of the night. On Gas Prices: Lightning Round: Each candidate said “yes” or “no” to a gas tax. RNCResearch: MODERATOR: California has the highest gas prices in the nation, would you suspend the gas tax?Xavier Becerra says no.STEYER: NoPORTER: No pic.twitter.com/D0fsDQ4IKa— Republican Women of Mercer County (@RW…
California Governor Race Debate 2026: Xavier Becerra Takes Centre Stage As Rivals Clash
Eight contenders for California governor clashed in a fast‑paced, frequently unruly debate at Pomona College in Claremont on Tuesday night, with Xavier Becerra taking centre stage as rivals from both parties tried to halt his late surge ahead of the June 2026 primary. The race was dramatically reshaped earlier this month when Democratic congressman Eric Swalwell quit after being accused of sexual assault, opening up a lane that Becerra has been …
All 8 candidates for California governor clash in first complete debate as Primary Election looms
All eight candidates for California's next governor squared off in a debate for the first time on Tuesday night. It comes just days before ballots start landing in mailboxes.
Cal Matters
Candidates target Steyer, Becerra in free-wheeling California governor debate
None of the six Democrats and two Republican candidates for California governor in 2026 had a breakout moment in a debate at Pomona College
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