LOS ANGELES (AP) - Six leading candidates for California governor are set to meet in a televised debate on Wednesday, as they navigate a chaotic race that currently lacks a clear frontrunner. With mail ballots designated to be sent to voters at the beginning of next month ahead of the June 2 primary election, candidates are racing against time to gain traction in the competitive landscape.
According to California election regulations, only the top two vote-getters will progress to the November election, irrespective of party affiliation. Fears amongst Democrats have been mounting that a crowded candidate field could lead to an unprecedented scenario where two Republicans advance, posing a significant threat in a traditionally liberal state.
The debate will feature two prominent Republicans: conservative commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, alongside four Democratic contenders. These Democrats include former U.S. Representative Katie Porter, billionaire Tom Steyer, former Biden administration health secretary Xavier Becerra, and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.
As candidates seek to gain an edge before a televised audience, there is a possibility that the debate may turn into 90 minutes of contentious exchanges filled with shouting matches, accusations, and attempts to undermine each other to attract attention.
The campaign has recently experienced turbulence, highlighted by U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell, a notable Democrat, exiting the race amidst sexual assault allegations, which he vehemently denies. Additionally, former state controller Betty Yee withdrew from the race after struggling in polls since her entry in 2024, subsequently endorsing Steyer. Meanwhile, Becerra garnered a significant political endorsement from Democratic Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, with both he and Mahan recently entering the debate lineup as replacements for Swalwell.
In an environment where Democrats largely converge on policy issues—such as addressing household costs and countering former President Donald Trump’s agenda—they will be eager to distinguish themselves during the debate by highlighting their individual records and casting doubts on their competitors.
Porter, renowned for her social media presence and her direct questioning style in congressional hearings, could potentially become California's first female governor. Steyer, a former hedge fund manager known for his activism in climate issues, previously ran an unsuccessful presidential campaign in 2020. Becerra, the most politically seasoned candidate, has served in various roles including as state attorney general and as part of the Biden administration. Mahan aims to showcase his achievements in tackling homelessness and crime within Northern California's largest city.
On the campaign trail, California itself remains a central theme. Democrats have dominated the state's political landscape for years. Republicans have not secured a statewide election win in two decades. Accordingly, Hilton and Bianco are expected to play to familiar campaign narratives, attributing the state’s difficulties to Sacramento’s politics. Their messaging will likely include critiques of government spending in light of the ongoing homelessness crisis and express concerns about high taxes, utility bills, and soaring gas prices that burden families.
Polling conducted in late March and early April by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California illustrated a tight race among the candidates: Democrats Steyer and Porter along with Republicans Hilton and Bianco, while other candidates were trailing behind. It’s critical to note that this polling data was gathered before Swalwell's withdrawal.
