Top candidates for California governor spar over wealth, experience and race in fiery debate
Los Angeles Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Six candidates debated in the first televised California governor’s race debate since Eric Swalwell’s exit amid misconduct allegations, focusing on wealth, experience, and race.
- Democrat Tom Steyer faced criticism over his hedge fund’s investments in private prisons and fossil fuels, while defending his climate activism and campaign funding; Republican Steve Hilton was portrayed as a Trump-backed dilettante, and Democrat Xavier Becerra was labeled a D.C. insider.
- The debate highlighted divisions among Democrats, with Katie Porter challenging Becerra’s lack of detailed plans and Becerra questioning Porter’s government experience; tensions also arose over issues of racism and law enforcement.
- Poll leaders Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco avoided attacking each other despite increasing tensions, while Democrats remain split in a crowded field with ballots arriving soon and concerns about the primary system potentially favoring Republicans.
- Political analysts noted the debate clarified candidates’ positions, with Steyer and Porter leaning left, Mahan centrist, Hilton and Bianco right, and Becerra seen as maintaining the status quo, potentially appealing to Sacramento insiders.
