Live updates: California governor's debate at Pomona College

Key Points:

• Eight candidates for California governor debated for 90 minutes at Pomona College ahead of the June 2 primary, with Gustavo Arellano, Anita Chabria, and Mark Z. Barabak analyzing their performances and selecting winners and losers.
• Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent and the only candidate holding statewide office, was praised for his compelling personal story and debate composure, though his low poll numbers and historical voting patterns suggest slim chances of winning.
• Xavier Becerra emerged as a modest debate winner by effectively challenging Republican Steve Hilton and gaining significant airtime, while front-runner Tom Steyer struggled with complex policy discussions and failed to deliver memorable moments.
• The debate featured discussions on homelessness, with candidates like Katie Porter advocating for mental health responders instead of police, Chad Bianco emphasizing law enforcement's role, and Becerra focusing on preventing homelessness through housing stability.
• Overall, the debate did not produce any major shake-ups or standout performances that would dramatically alter the governor’s race, leaving the field largely unchanged ahead of the primary.