dailyloe.com – In a heated debate on April 28, 2026, California gubernatorial candidates clashed over pressing issues, including gas prices, housing, and insurance. The debate, which lasted 90 minutes, took place just weeks before the June 2 primary election.
Republican Steve Hilton currently leads in opinion polls, while the Democratic candidates remain divided. Candidates scrambled for attention during the debate, highlighting their positions amid concerns that Democrats could be excluded from the general election.
Xavier Becerra, the former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, faced multiple attacks from opponents, particularly from Hilton. The debate intensified as Becerra defended his campaign, which gained momentum after former Rep. Eric Swalwell withdrew from the race.
Hilton criticized Becerra’s plan to declare a state of emergency regarding rising homeowner’s insurance rates, claiming Becerra lacks the constitutional authority to do so. Hilton stated, “We can’t have a governor who doesn’t understand how the government works.”
Becerra responded by asserting his legal knowledge and retorted, “We don’t need a talking head from Fox News to tell us how the government works.” He also made a jab at Hilton’s endorsement from former President Trump, referring to Trump as “Hilton’s daddy.”
The debate was broadcast and livestreamed by CBS stations across California. Hundreds attended the event at Pomona College’s Bridges Auditorium, a notable venue in Southern California.
With eight major candidates participating, CBS emphasized the debate as “the largest and most inclusive debate of the election cycle.” This debate may significantly influence undecided voters as the primary approaches.
