Story perspectives

Becerra and Hilton Debate on CNN After Poll Qualification

By Drooid · Oct 1, 2026, 12:10 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Democratic Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton debated on CNN in Los Angeles on September 30, 2026.
Both candidates qualified by raising at least $1 million and earning 15 % support in two CNN-approved polls.
Jake Tapper and Dana Bash moderated the debate.
The debate streamed live on CNN.com and connected-TV and mobile apps.
A UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll on September 24 gave Becerra 58 % and Hilton 33 % among likely voters.

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Story summary

Democratic Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton debated on CNN in Los Angeles on September 30, 2026.
Both candidates qualified by raising at least $1 million and earning 15 % support in two CNN-approved polls.
Jake Tapper and Dana Bash moderated the debate.
The debate streamed live on CNN.com and connected-TV and mobile apps.
A UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll on September 24 gave Becerra 58 % and Hilton 33 % among likely voters.