California Gubernatorial Race Heats Up as Chaotic Debate Highlights Poll Swings and Top-Two Primary Stakes

Gov. Gavin Newsom is term-limited, opening California’s 2026 governor’s race. The top-two primary places all candidates on one ballot; the two highest vote-getters advance to the November general, regardless of party. Over 50 candidates have filed, raising fears a split Democratic field could yield two Republican finalists, a scenario analysts call a historic calamity (source 15).

Biola students apathetic towards California’s governor race

The eight front-runners are Democrat Xavier Becerra (former HHS secretary), Republican Steve Hilton (Trump-backed), Democrat Tom Steyer (billionaire), Democrat Katie Porter (former Rep.), Democrat Matt Mahan (San Jose mayor), Republican Chad Bianco (Riverside sheriff), Democrat Tony Thurmond (state superintendent) and Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa (former L.A. mayor).

Biola students apathetic towards California’s governor race

A Gudelunas Strategies poll (April 30, 800 voters) gave Becerra 24 % and Hilton 23 %; Steyer 15 %, Bianco 13 %, Porter 10 %, Mahan 6 % (source 1). An EMC poll tied Becerra and Hilton at 19 % each, with Steyer and Bianco at 14 % (source 13). Steyer has spent at least $132 million of personal money, the largest outlay (source 3).

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The CBS-hosted debate at Pomona College on April 28 featured all eight candidates. Interruptions created a “bit of a mess,” a student observed (source 16). Topics included gas-price relief, housing, immigration and wildfire insurance. No breakout moment emerged; observers called it “no one won, no one lost” (source 14).

Associated Press

Becerra said campaign is gaining momentum (source 1). Freezes home-insurance rates (source 16). Hilton warned, “We’ve had the same people in charge for 16 years… it’s a disaster” (source 9). Steyer pushed higher oil taxes; Porter said “is not for sale” and rejects corporate money (source 17). Bianco falsely claimed COVID-19 vaccines “poisoned” millions, moderators rejected (source 4).

The Hill

Porter asked, “How about profiteers pay?” (source 5). Steyer retorted by highlighting Becerra’s Chevron ties and his handling of unaccompanied migrant children, which Becerra dismissed as a “MAGA talking point” (source 4). Mahan called Becerra’s health record “mixed,” and Bianco’s vaccine claim “lies” (source 4).

The Hill

If two Republicans advance, California could elect its first GOP governor, shifting policy toward tax cuts and a rollback of climate goals (source 7, 15). A Democratic win would preserve progressive programs like expanded health care and climate initiatives (source 8). The race hinges on whether Democrats can coalesce around a front-runner before the June 2 primary.

Biola students apathetic towards California’s governor race

Polls differ on Becerra’s support, ranging from 13 % to 24 % (sources 1, 13). The effect of upcoming debates on voter preferences is unclear, and withdrawn candidates Eric Swalwell and Betty Yee will still appear on the ballot (source 6).

The Hill

• “We’re rising in the polls in the race for California governor—and just getting started,” — Xavier Becerra, former U.S. HHS secretary

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• “Steve Hilton’s daddy.” — Xavier Becerra, former U.S. HHS secretary

Associated Press

• “I am not for sale.” — Katie Porter, former U.S. Rep.

Associated Press

• “How about profiteers pay?” — Tom Steyer, billionaire philanthropist

Calmatters

• “We can’t have a governor who doesn’t understand how the government works,” — Steve Hilton, Republican candidate

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Mail-in ballots start May 4, with drop-off locations opening May 5. Televised debates are scheduled for May 5 (CNN) and May 6 (NBC 4/Telemundo). The top-two primary occurs on June 2, and the general election is set for November 3.

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