Highlights and Key Issues from California's 2026 Gubernatorial Debate

Wed, 06 May 2026 14:02:00 +0200

During the nationally televised CNN debate for California's 2026 governor race, seven leading candidates clashed over major issues including healthcare, immigration, housing, and campaign ethics. Democratic frontrunner Xavier Becerra faced intense scrutiny from both Democratic and Republican rivals regarding his handling of unaccompanied immigrant minors during his tenure at HHS, his position on single-payer healthcare, and a campaign finance controversy involving a former adviser. Becerra maintained his support for Medicare-for-all, while avoiding direct statements on a state-level single-payer system. Republican Steve Hilton and Sheriff Chad Bianco challenged him on ethical concerns, while other candidates debated the feasibility of single-payer healthcare proposals like CalCare. Immigration emerged as a key partisan divide, with Democrats criticizing federal policies and Republicans focusing on sanctuary state laws. Housing affordability was acknowledged by all candidates, though sp