Six leading candidates for California governor participated in a televised debate on Wednesday, underscoring sharp partisan divides on issues ranging from homelessness to taxes. The Democrats sought to distinguish themselves in a chaotic race with no clear leader, while Republicans blamed Democratic governance for the state's woes.
Key Takeaways
Six leading candidates for California governor debated on Wednesday, highlighting partisan divides on issues like homelessness and taxes. Democrats sought to distinguish themselves while Republicans blamed Democratic governance for the state's problems.
- Six candidates debated ahead of June 2 primary
- Democrats credited Newsom's efforts on homelessness; Republicans called it a failure
- Steyer faced criticism over past investments in private prisons
- Candidates discussed social media bans for children and gas taxes
The debate featured two Republicans—conservative commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco—and four Democrats: former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, billionaire Tom Steyer, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and former Biden administration Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. According to PBS, the debate was mostly mannerly, with candidates eager to make a positive impression.
Democrats generally credited outgoing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom for his efforts to address California's homelessness crisis, which has left more people living on the streets than in any other state. Republicans, however, argued that the state had spent billions of taxpayer dollars with little evidence of progress. Hilton stated, "Everything has taken us in the wrong direction," while Bianco called the state's record on homelessness a "dismal failure."
Steyer faced repeated criticism over his past investments in private prisons and ICE detention centers. Mahan remarked, "The only housing Tom Steyer's built has been private prisons and ICE detention centers." Steyer responded by highlighting his and his wife's financing of thousands of low-income housing units through a nonprofit bank they founded.
The candidates also discussed the potential ban on social media use for children under 16. Steyer and Becerra supported such a ban, while Hilton suggested establishing a social norm to keep smartphones away from children under 16. Porter did not support a ban at that age but was open to considering a different age limit. Bianco and Mahan believed the decision should be left to parents.
The debate took place as California prepares for its June 2 primary election, with mail ballots scheduled to go out early next month. The race has been described as wide-open, with more than 50 names on the ballot and no clear frontrunner. According to The Guardian, the debate lacked a standout moment that could jolt the contest or crown a frontrunner but offered a platform for candidates to introduce themselves to Californians.
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