5 Key Moments During the California Governor Debate
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Seven candidates participated in what is likely the last televised debate for California governor, focusing on familiar themes without any major gaffes or standout moments.
- With 19 days until the June 2 primary, voter decision-making remains uncertain, as only 3 percent of ballots have been returned so far.
- The debate covered key issues such as the high cost of living and climate change, with frequent interruptions among candidates leading to audience attempts to quiet them.
- Republican candidates Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco often aligned in blaming Democratic policies for the state’s problems, while Democratic candidates were divided and targeted front-runner Xavier Becerra.
- The Democratic field includes Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, Matt Mahan, and Antonio Villaraigosa, all vying to succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom.