California Gubernatorial Debate Sets Stage for June Primary

On April 28, 2026, eight contenders for California governor debated for 90 minutes in Pomona College’s Bridges Auditorium, Claremont. The lineup featured Democrats Xavier Becerra, Tom Steyer, Katie Porter, Matt Mahan, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa and Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco. CBS California and the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs Association broadcast the event statewide and online.

Orange County Register

The debate came a week after Rep. Eric Swalwell withdrew, a development that lifted Becerra’s profile. Pre-debate polls varied: YouGov (April 23-27) gave Hilton 16 %, Steyer 15 %, Becerra 13 %; the OC Register listed Hilton at 17 % and Bianco and Steyer each at 14 %; Independent Voter News placed Hilton at 17-20 % and Becerra’s peak at 23 % but a current average of 12 %. Across surveys, 23-26 % of likely voters remained undecided.

Washington Examiner

Becerra pledged emergency declarations, a freeze on home-insurance rates, and a “stop Steve Hilton’s daddy” stance against Trump-aligned policies. Hilton defended Trump’s agenda and attacked Democratic regulation. Steyer called for a state lawsuit against fossil-fuel firms and a single-payer health system. Porter emphasized her refusal of corporate donations. Mahan advocated down-payment assistance, warned single-payer health care is “unfundable,” and criticized Becerra’s pandemic response. Thurmond proposed a $25 billion first-time-buyer housing grant; Villaraigosa urged fast-track housing construction.

CNN

Porter accused Steyer of profiting from fossil-fuel investments, questioning his climate credibility. Mahan labeled Becerra’s single-payer plan “unfundable” and called his pandemic handling “a crisis he never met.” Hilton dismissed Becerra’s insurance freeze as overreach, while Becerra retorted that Hilton’s “daddy” is President Trump. Bianco warned that Democratic policies have driven California’s cost-of-living crisis.

CNN

Polls differ by up to four points on Hilton’s support (YouGov 16 % vs. Independent Voter News 17-20 %). Becerra’s numbers range from 10 % (OC Register) to a 23 % peak (Independent Voter News). No post-debate poll has been released, leaving the debate’s effect on voter intent unmeasured.

Desert Sun

“We need someone who's going to fight Donald Trump, not agree with him.” — Xavier Becerra

KGO - ABC7 News

“You pay the lowest tax rate on this stage, and yet you made the billions that you’re using to fund your campaign off fossil fuels,” — Katie Porter

CNN

“We don’t know how to pay for single-payer, and we see countries with single-payer struggling with long lines and cuts to care.” — Matt Mahan

CNN

“My dad was goalie on the Hungarian national ice hockey team,” — Steve Hilton

Washington Examiner

CNN will host a second gubernatorial debate on May 5, followed by NBC/Telemundo events on May 6. Mail-in ballots begin distribution May 4, with drop-off locations opening May 5. The June 2 primary will determine the two candidates advancing to the November 3 general election.

Marin Independent Journal