Key Insights from the Final California Governor's Debate Ahead of June 2 Election

California Governor’s Debate Highlights Key Issues and Rivalries

In the final televised debate for the California governor’s race before the June primary, seven leading candidates had their last opportunity to make their case to voters. The event took place on Thursday night, with the candidates vying for support in a highly competitive race.

Recent polls indicate that Democrats are beginning to consolidate around former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra and billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer. Meanwhile, Republican candidate Steve Hilton is gaining ground against his rival, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. The top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the November runoff.

The debate was hosted by CBS Bay Area and the San Francisco Examiner, featuring Becerra, Steyer, Hilton, Bianco, former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. All three of the latter candidates are Democrats.

Becerra Faces Scrutiny Amid Corruption Scandal

Becerra, who topped the most recent independent poll from Emerson College, has become a target for both Republicans and Democrats. The debate occurred just hours after his former aide, Dana Williamson, pled guilty to her role in a scheme to funnel $225,000 from Becerra’s dormant campaign account to his longtime chief of staff, Sean McCluskie. Williamson could face up to 38 years in prison.

Although Becerra has not been accused of any wrongdoing, the scandal has sparked controversy in the governor’s race. His rivals have used the situation as political ammunition. Williamson’s attorney, McGregor Scott, stated that McCluskie informed his client that he had Becerra’s approval for the payments. This comment was seized upon by Hilton during the debate.

“It pains me to say it because I like you personally Xavier, but you shouldn’t be on this stage,” Hilton said. “You shouldn’t be in this race, you should be preparing your criminal defense.”

Porter, who expressed concerns about the possibility of Becerra being charged after the June primary, also criticized the former health secretary. She noted that while there are no current charges, it does not preclude an indictment from being issued later.

Becerra defended himself, stating that attorneys had reviewed all the facts and determined that he had no involvement. He dismissed the criticism as the price of being the frontrunner.

Education Takes Center Stage

While housing, homelessness, and the cost of living have dominated recent debates, education has received less attention—until this evening. Porter emphasized the need for benchmarks to ensure students do not fall behind permanently. She cited research showing that students who do not meet these benchmarks have limited educational opportunities.

Hilton stressed the importance of ensuring students can read by a certain age and advocated for holding teachers accountable when they fail to meet standards. Bianco called for a complete overhaul of the state’s education system, criticizing policies that hinder teachers from teaching effectively.

Mahan, a former teacher in East San Jose, argued that the governor should be held accountable for educational outcomes. He suggested moving the Department of Education under the governor’s control and rewarding teachers whose students show significant learning progress.

Who Would They Vote For in November?

At the end of the debate, moderators asked each candidate who they would support if they did not make it to the November runoff. Bianco and Hilton both named each other, citing Democrats’ “failed policies” and the “one party rule” that has dominated the state. This is a key point in their campaigns.

Villaraigosa, Becerra, Steyer, and Porter all stated they would support any of the Democrats on the stage. Mahan said he would vote for Villaraigosa “because mayors get things done.”