All 8 candidates for California governor clash in tense debate as Primary Election looms
ABC7 Los Angeles • • nation
Key Points:
- All eight candidates for California governor participated in a contentious debate at Pomona College, marked by frequent interruptions and heated exchanges, just days before mail-in ballots are sent out.
- Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, riding recent momentum, criticized Republican frontrunner Steve Hilton and emphasized fighting against Trump, while Hilton blamed current leadership for California's high cost of living and poverty.
- Housing affordability was a central issue, with Democrats Tony Thurmond and Antonio Villaraigosa proposing down payment assistance and streamlined housing development to help first-time buyers.
- Candidates also debated the state's high gas prices and taxes, with San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan advocating for suspending and reforming the gas tax, and a clash between Tom Steyer and Katie Porter over fossil fuel profits and taxation.
- With the June 2 primary approaching, Democrats are focused on securing one of the top two spots to advance to the November election, as about 25% of voters remain undecided.
