San Francisco — In a debate defined by sharp contrasts and few moments of consensus, six candidates vying to replace Gavin Newsom as California’s governor clashed over experience, ideology, and the state’s deepening crises, highlighting the volatility of a race reshaped by Eric Swalwell’s abrupt exit.
The televised forum at KRON Studios brought together the leading Democratic and Republican contenders in a field still numbering eight, though only the top six qualified for the stage. With Swalwell’s departure less than two weeks ago amid sexual assault allegations, the vacuum he left has intensified scrutiny on the remaining candidates, particularly Xavier Becerra, who supporters say is now absorbing much of the former congressman’s progressive base. The debate, lasting 90 minutes, quickly revealed the fault lines dividing the contenders — not just along party lines, but over fundamental questions of governance, spending, and identity.
On experience, the exchanges were pointed. San José Mayor Matt Mahan challenged the credentials of his Democratic rivals, declaring, “We don’t necessitate a billionaire who made his money in private prisons and oil and gas that he’s now supposedly against, or Trump’s handpicked candidate, or a D.C. Insider who the Sacramento establishment is now rallying around.” His jab targeted Tom Steyer’s wealth, Steve Hilton’s Trump endorsement, and Becerra’s Washington tenure. In response, Becerra emphasized his crisis management background, stating, “I’ll make sure as governor I tackle these crises since I’ve been through these crises before and had to handle them. We need someone with experience. Someone who doesn’t need on-the-job training the moment they obtain into the governor’s office.” Steyer, for his part, leaned into his self-funded campaign — over $120 million of his own money — framing himself as a disruptive force: “I’m the billionaire who wants to tax other billionaires. I’m the billionaire who is taking on the electric monopolies and trying to break up their power.”
The ideological divide sharpened when the conversation turned to homelessness, a persistent and visible crisis across California’s urban centers. The four Democrats largely echoed Newsom’s approach, praising his efforts and advocating for increased spending on preventive measures like rental assistance. In stark contrast, Bianco and Hilton framed the issue through a lens of personal responsibility, insisting homelessness stems primarily from substance abuse. “This is drug and alcohol induced psychosis,” Bianco said. “This has nothing to do with a home.” Hilton echoed that sentiment, adding that Newsom’s record on homelessness deserved an “F,” not the “B” some Democrats were willing to grant. “It shames our state,” he said.
Race and policing also sparked tension. Bianco dismissed concerns about racial profiling as “garbage,” urging the state to “get over this whole racism thing,” a remark that drew immediate pushback from Democrats who viewed it as dismissive of systemic inequities. The exchange underscored the stark philosophical gap between the parties on issues of equity and criminal justice reform.
Economic policy revealed another fracture. Mahan, seeking to differentiate himself from the Democratic pack, pledged to suspend the state gas tax, citing his working-class roots in Watsonville and the burden on low-income drivers. “I understand what it means when gas prices go up a dollar or two unnecessarily,” he said. “I’ll reform the gas tax so it’s no longer the poorest, hardest working people in our state who are paying an unfair share to maintain our infrastructure.” Neither Hilton nor Bianco committed to the idea, though both have long campaigned on tax relief. Steyer and the other Democrats rejected the proposal, warning it would undermine infrastructure funding.
The debate unfolded under the shadow of California’s top-two primary system, which allows the top two vote-getters in the June 2 primary to advance to the general election regardless of party. That mechanic has heightened Democratic anxiety about a scenario where two Republicans could finish first and second — a prospect unprecedented in modern California politics, where no GOP candidate has won a statewide office in over two decades. The last time a Republican came close was in 2006, when Arnold Schwarzenegger won re-election as governor, though his moderate stance and celebrity status made him an outlier in the party.
Despite the intensity of the exchanges, the debate produced few defining moments that clearly elevated one candidate above the rest. Observers noted a pattern of cautious attacks rather than explosive clashes, suggesting the race remains fluid and unsettled. For Democrats, the challenge is consolidating support behind a single nominee to avoid splitting the progressive vote. For Republicans, the goal is breaking through a decades-long losing streak by capitalizing on voter frustration with crime, costs, and governance.
As the primary approaches, the candidates face a dual challenge: distinguishing themselves in a crowded field while navigating the electoral mechanics that could either amplify their message or render it irrelevant if they fail to finish in the top two. The debate offered clarity on where they stand — but not yet on who will prevail.
What is the significance of Eric Swalwell’s exit from the race?
Eric Swalwell withdrew less than two weeks before the debate amid sexual assault allegations, creating a vacuum in the progressive lane that candidates like Xavier Becerra are now seeking to fill, according to reports of his supporters shifting allegiance.
How does California’s top-two primary system affect the dynamics of this race?
Under the top-two system, the two highest vote-getters in the June 2 primary advance to the general election regardless of party, which has raised Democratic concerns that two Republicans could finish first and second — a scenario without precedent in California since no GOP candidate has won statewide in over two decades.
