California Governor Candidates Debate Key Issues Ahead of Primary

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:23:00 +0200

In a lively debate at Pomona College, eight major candidates for California governor addressed key issues including high gas prices, housing costs, and homeowner insurance rates. Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, who gained momentum after Eric Swalwell dropped out, faced repeated attacks from Republican frontrunner Steve Hilton. Hilton criticized Becerra's proposal to declare a state of emergency over rising insurance rates, while Becerra defended his legal knowledge and took jabs at Hilton’s connection to former President Trump. Other candidates, including Chad Bianco, Tom Steyer, Katie Porter, Tony Thurmond, Matt Mahan, and Antonio Villaraigosa, discussed solutions ranging from capping gas prices and suspending the gas tax to providing down-payment assistance for first-time homeowners. Debate moderators highlighted climate-driven emergencies, prompting candidates to offer different strategies to handle wildfires and other disasters. Republicans largely blamed