Leading California governor candidates spar in debate as topsy-turvy race heats up
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- Six candidates, including four Democrats and two Republicans, participated in California's first gubernatorial debate following Eric Swalwell’s campaign collapse amid misconduct allegations, with no clear frontrunner emerging ahead of the June 2 primary.
- Democrats largely agreed on policy issues like housing affordability and homelessness but differed on approaches and critiques of billionaire candidate Tom Steyer, while Republicans blamed Democratic governance for the state's problems.
- The debate featured discussions on key issues such as homelessness, the economy, artificial intelligence, and election security, but lacked a decisive moment to significantly shift the race dynamics.
- Candidates addressed Swalwell’s scandal indirectly, with Becerra emphasizing accountability and Bianco defending his controversial ballot investigation, while Hilton highlighted his endorsement from Donald Trump despite the state's Democratic lean.
- Concerns remain among Democrats about vote-splitting potentially allowing two Republicans to advance in the jungle primary system, with party leaders urging weaker candidates to withdraw to consolidate support.
