Full Breakdown
Trump at the Center of California’s Gubernatorial Race
5/7/2026, 5:32:54 AM
Debate Spotlight and Federal Policy Context
On May 5, seven candidates for governor faced a CNN-moderated debate in Monterey Park. Every participant invoked President Donald Trump, linking his immigration crackdown, offshore-wind lease buyouts, and disputes over California’s oil policy to the state’s future. The Energy Commission’s subpoena of Golden State Wind for a $900 million lease-termination deal and the Department of Energy’s criticism of California’s climate agenda were cited repeatedly as examples of federal actions that candidates must confront.
Candidate Stances on Trump
- Katie Porter (D-CA): Called Trump a “bully,” warned that any attack on California warrants an “F” response, and pledged to “stand up to him 100 percent.”
- Xavier Becerra (D-CA): Described Trump as “the real menace” and noted more than 120 court victories defending the state.
- Steve Hilton (R): Asserted he could cut gas prices to $3 per gallon and urged pragmatic cooperation with the White House.
- Tom Steyer (D): Labeled Trump a “bully” and called for strong opposition to federal immigration enforcement.
- Matt Mahan (D-CA): Emphasized results over ideology, rejecting “MAGA values” while promising to deliver tangible outcomes.
- Antonio Villaraigosa (D) and Chad Bianco (R): Sparred over acknowledgment of the 2020 election outcome and the role of ICE in local jurisdictions.
Polls, Cost of Living and Voter Sentiment
A SurveyUSA poll (April 28–May 1) placed Hilton first at 20 %, Steyer second at 18 %, Bianco third at 12 %, and Becerra at 10 %. Porter, Mahan and Villaraigosa trailed in the single digits. A separate UC Irvine poll showed Trump’s support in Orange County dropping to 35 % with 65 % disapproval; six in ten respondents opposed his immigration actions. Gasoline averaged over $6 per gallon (AAA), and 41 % of voters cited cost of living as their top concern, far above homelessness.
Official Statements, Criticism and Gaps
Becerra emphasized that “every time he tried to attack our state… we took him on,” while Porter reiterated her willingness to “stand up to him 100 percent.” Hilton framed his agenda as “real change” needed to lower costs. Critics included RNC spokesman Nick Poche, who called Porter a “degenerate loser,” and Villaraigosa, who rebuked Bianco’s past Oath Keepers affiliation. Polling varies across SurveyUSA, Emerson College and KGTV-TV surveys, and no post-second-debate poll is yet available, leaving the impact of the CNN debate uncertain. The outcome of the offshore-wind investigation remains pending.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Donald Trump sucks.” — Katie Porter, U.S. Representative
- “Yes, I'm going to repeat Donald Trump as often as I have to because he's the real menace that we have in California,” — Xavier Becerra, former Attorney General
- “Jon Gould, dean of UC Irvine’s School of Social Ecology, said the level of disapproval for Trump is striking given Orange County’s generally close political divide.” — Jon Gould, dean, UC Irvine School of Social Ecology
What’s Next
The June 2 primary will determine the two candidates advancing to the November ballot. California’s subpoena to Golden State Wind signals potential litigation, while further polling will track whether debate performances reshape the race.
