Takeaways from the first California governor’s debate since Eric Swalwell’s exit

Key Points:

• Six candidates, including four Democrats and two Republicans, debated California's gubernatorial race, with Democrats focusing criticism on President Trump and Republicans targeting the state's Democratic leadership.
• The race shifted after Democrat Eric Swalwell withdrew amid sexual misconduct allegations, which he denies; this exit has fragmented Democratic support and raised concerns about Democrats potentially being shut out of the general election.
• Republican candidates Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco criticized Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic tax policies, with Hilton emphasizing the importance of a cooperative relationship with the Trump administration despite Trump's poor showing in California.
• Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra addressed the Swalwell controversy by distinguishing rumors from facts and highlighted the role of law enforcement in investigations, while Matt Mahan sought to differentiate himself by criticizing billionaire-backed rivals and advocating for regulation of Big Tech.
• Former frontrunner Eleni Kounalakis attempted to recover from a past controversy involving staff mistreatment by apologizing and criticizing opponents like Becerra and Steyer for lacking detailed plans or challenging the status quo.