Full Breakdown
California Gubernatorial Debate Highlights Chaos Amid Tight Race
4/29/2026, 7:58:48 AM
The Pomona College Debate: A Chaotic Showdown
On Tuesday, April 28 2026, eight gubernatorial hopefuls gathered at Pomona College’s Bridges Auditorium in Claremont for a 90-minute televised debate. The event was co-produced by CBS News California, the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs Association, and Pomona College. Moderators included CBS Los Angeles anchor Pat Harvey, CBS Sacramento anchor Tony Lopez, CBS Bay Area anchor Ryan Yamamoto, CBS News California Investigates correspondent Julie Watts, and Pomona political-science professor Sara Sadhwani; Suzie Suh served as host. The debate aired live on CBS stations across the state and streamed on CBS digital platforms.
Race Background and Recent Shifts
Governor Gavin Newsom is barred from a third term, leaving a nonpartisan “jungle” primary on June 2 2026, where the top two vote-getters advance regardless of party. The field originally listed 61 candidates; former U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell withdrew in early April after sexual-misconduct allegations, and former State Controller Betty Yee dropped out after the ballot was certified. Former Attorney General Xavier Becerra has risen in the polls since Swalwell’s exit, while Democrats fear a split vote could allow the two leading Republicans to advance.
Candidates on Stage
- Xavier Becerra (D) – former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary and California Attorney General.
- Tom Steyer (D) – billionaire investor and progressive activist.
- Katie Porter (D) – former U.S. Representative.
- Matt Mahan (D) – Mayor of San Jose.
- Antonio Villaraigosa (D) – former Los Angeles mayor.
- Tony Thurmond (D) – State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
- Steve Hilton (R) – former Fox News host, endorsed by Donald Trump.
- Chad Bianco (R) – Riverside County sheriff.
Poll Landscape Ahead of the Debate
A CBS News/YouGov poll (April 23-27) showed Hilton at 16 %, Steyer 15 %, Becerra 13 %, Bianco 10 %, Porter 9 %, Mahan 4 %, Villaraigosa 4 %, Thurmond 1 %; 26 % of respondents were undecided. The Desert Sun’s YouGov poll reported identical percentages for the top six candidates and the same undecided share. The Hill’s CBS/YouGov poll placed Becerra and Steyer tied at 13 % each, with Hilton leading at 16 %. All surveys indicate no clear frontrunner.
Why the Debate Matters
With mail-ballots slated for delivery beginning May 4, the debate offered candidates a final opportunity to sway undecided voters before the primary. Analysts note that a two-Republican general election would be unprecedented in a state where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans roughly 2-to-1. Issues emphasized by voters—affordability, housing, wildfire-insurance, and public safety—were central to the candidates’ exchanges.
Official Statements & Responses
Becerra defended his proposal to declare a state of emergency to freeze insurance rates, asserting that “the governor’s office is not a place with training wheels.” Porter emphasized her refusal to accept corporate campaign money, stating she “is not for sale.” Hilton argued that “we can’t have a governor who doesn’t understand how the government works.” Bianco complained that moderators limited his speaking time.
Criticism & Opposition
Porter accused Steyer of profiting from fossil-fuel investments, while Steyer countered that utilities were targeting his campaign. Mahan challenged Becerra’s single-payer health plan as financially untenable and criticized his pandemic response. Bianco attacked Democratic tax policies as burdensome to working families.
On-the-Ground Reports
A Pomona student described the opening as “a bit of a mess.” Porter quipped the debate was “worse than my teenagers at dinner.” Moderators repeatedly warned they would cut microphones to restore order.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Polls differ on Steyer’s standing (13 % vs 15 %). Sources list varying eligibility thresholds for debate participation (1 % vs 3 % vs 5 %). The exact number of invited candidates is reported as eight, though one source notes an initial nine before Yee’s withdrawal.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The first thing we have to do is stop Steve Hilton’s daddy,” — Xavier Becerra
- “I am not for sale.” — Katie Porter
- “The governor’s office is not a place with training wheels,” — Xavier Becerra
- “I wasn’t sure I was even up here any more,” — Chad Bianco
- “We can’t have a governor who doesn’t understand how the government works,” — Steve Hilton
What’s Next
A second televised debate will be hosted by CNN on May 5. Mail-ballots begin distribution on May 4, and the June 2 primary will determine the two candidates who advance to the November general election.
