Highlights from the Recent California Gubernatorial Debate

Candidates Square Off Ahead of California’s Gubernatorial Primary

With less than a month until the primary election, California’s gubernatorial race is heating up, featuring a diverse field of over 60 candidates. As voters prepare to narrow this down to the top two contenders, NBC Los Angeles and Telemundo Los Angeles are hosting a gubernatorial debate at the Skirball Cultural Center, scheduled for Wednesday evening. The debate will spotlight seven leading candidates: Xavier Becerra, Chad Bianco, Steve Hilton, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, and Antonio Villaraigosa.

Just a day before this debate, the candidates engaged in a CNN-hosted forum in East Los Angeles, where several key moments emerged.

Becerra Takes Center Stage as Target

Xavier Becerra, recently benefiting from the exit of Rep. Eric Swalwell from the race amid allegations of misconduct, was heavily scrutinized during the debate. As the polls indicate his rising momentum, other candidates focused on his tenure as former Health and Human Services Secretary. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, the youngest candidate, issued a strong critique.

"We don’t need MAGA values, but we also don’t need more of the same," Mahan stated. He added, "the experience we hear from Secretary Becerra didn’t lead to better outcomes. It led to 85,000 migrant children who were lost, more fraud in our health care system."

Mahan further labeled Becerra as "a career politician," arguing that his long tenure in public office has not produced positive results for Californians.

Tom Steyer, another prominent candidate, criticized Becerra’s acceptance of $39,200 in campaign contributions from Chevron, indicating a connection to corporate interests.

Trump Remains a Focal Point

Though Donald Trump is not running for governor, his administration’s policies were a recurring topic during the debate. Each candidate emphasized their opposition to his agenda. Becerra noted his legal challenges to Trump’s administration, recounting over 120 lawsuits he initiated when serving as California’s Attorney General. Mahan also referenced his actions against Trump’s immigration policies in San Jose, while Porter unabashedly expressed her disdain for Trump’s impact on California.

All Democratic candidates pointed to Trump as a contributing factor to rising gas prices, attributing the surge to geopolitical tensions related to his administration.

Billionaire Tax Proposal Sparks Debate

A proposal to implement a tax on billionaires was discussed, although it has yet to secure a spot on the ballot pending signature verification. The 2026 Billionaire Tax Act aims to levy a one-time 5% tax on the wealth of billionaires, with proceeds directed towards health care, education, and social programs.

Steyer endorsed the initiative but argued it should go further by proposing recurring taxes on billionaires. Porter, however, voiced her objections to how funds would be allocated, accusing Steyer of attempting to gain "cheap political points." Villaraigosa also opposed the measure, warning it could drive billionaires out of California.

Bianco Addresses Extremist Group Allegations

Chad Bianco, the Riverside County sheriff, distanced himself from being labeled a member of the Oath Keepers—a far-right group—despite his association as a self-identified “oath keeper.” When questioned about this group, Bianco encouraged voters to read their mission statement, stating, “I’m not a member” in response to direct inquiries.

Porter Defends Her Temperament

As the debate intensified and candidates began interrupting one another, Porter reacted with frustration. She remarked, "I can’t believe that on a stage with 30 minutes of interrupting and bickering… anyone wants to talk about my temperament." In reference to an attack ad from Villaraigosa, she highlighted her accountability for past actions and expressed confidence in voters’ judgment regarding her character.

Porter articulated, "If these bullies… haven’t been enough to raise questions about their temperament, I would really challenge that."

As the primary approaches, the competition continues to sharpen, with candidates confronting both each other and the broader implications of their policies and records.