Story perspectives

First Televised California Governor Debate Leaves Race Tight

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

All eight California governor candidates debated on April 28, 2026 at Pomona College, the first full-field televised stage.
The eight candidates, including Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, and Steve Hilton, former Fox News host, saw a YouGov poll give Hilton 16% support, Tom Steyer 15%, and 26% undecided.
The debate covered safety, housing affordability, gas taxes and immigration, leaving no candidate with an edge before the June 2 primary.

History

Historical Context

The practice of televised candidate debates began on September 26 1960 when John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon faced 66.4 million viewers in Chicago, establishing TV as a decisive campaign tool. Since then, debates have become a standard fixture in U.S. elections. California’s April 28 2026 gubernatorial debate at Pomona College, featuring Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton, follows that legacy, shaping voter perception ahead of the June 2 primary.

1 of 2

Story summary

All eight California governor candidates debated on April 28, 2026 at Pomona College, the first full-field televised stage.
The eight candidates, including Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, and Steve Hilton, former Fox News host, saw a YouGov poll give Hilton 16% support, Tom Steyer 15%, and 26% undecided.
The debate covered safety, housing affordability, gas taxes and immigration, leaving no candidate with an edge before the June 2 primary.

1 / 2