Takeaways From the California Governor Debate at Pomona College
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- Eight candidates for California governor debated at Pomona College ahead of the June primary, aiming to distinguish themselves in a closely contested race to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.
- The debate featured five front-runners polling closely: Democrats Tom Steyer, Xavier Becerra, and Katie Porter, and Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco.
- The primary is nonpartisan, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the November election regardless of party, and many voters remain undecided.
- Xavier Becerra, who surged after Eric Swalwell's withdrawal, was the primary focus of criticism during the debate, marking a shift from earlier in the race when he was largely ignored.
- The event provided a critical platform for candidates to gain momentum as mailed ballots begin arriving next week.
