7 California Governor Candidates Clash in Final Debate as June 2 Primary Nears
Updated
Updated · NBC Bay Area · May 15
7 California Governor Candidates Clash in Final Debate as June 2 Primary Nears
11 articles · Updated · NBC Bay Area · May 15
Seven leading candidates met in San Francisco for what is likely the last major debate before California’s June 2 primary, with repeated interruptions and sharp attacks underscoring how unsettled the race remains.
Xavier Becerra, who has been gaining in polls, drew the heaviest fire after a former campaign aide pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiracy to commit bank fraud tied to stolen campaign funds; Becerra said he was not involved.
Climate split the field cleanly: Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco backed more offshore drilling to cut gas prices, while the five Democrats rejected expanding drilling and Tom Steyer pressed his anti-fossil-fuel message.
Affordability dominated the rest of the stage, with Katie Porter pitching housing and free childcare, Matt Mahan urging a gas-tax suspension, and Antonio Villaraigosa arguing his Los Angeles mayoral record showed he could cut costs.
The 90-minute debate came with many voters still undecided and only weeks left for candidates to break through in a crowded contest to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.
What does this crowded primary reveal about long-term campaign strategies within California's unique top-two election system?
How have the economic ideas from this debate shaped California's current approach to its high cost of living?