California Gubernatorial Primary Debate Held in San Francisco
California's first gubernatorial primary debate was held in San Francisco on Tuesday evening. Seven candidates participated in the event, which took place four months ahead of the primary election. The debate was expected to cover key issues facing the state.
- The seven candidates who participated in the debate were former Attorney General Xavier Becerra, conservative commentator Steve Hilton, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, billionaire Tom Steyer, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former State Controller Betty Yee. - Several prominent candidates were not on stage, including U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell and former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, who organizers said had scheduling conflicts. - Key topics of discussion included homelessness, immigration, the cost of living, and a proposed wealth tax on billionaires. A 2024 state audit that found California had spent $24 billion on homelessness without adequate tracking of the outcomes was a focal point. - Republican candidate Steve Hilton and Democratic candidate Tom Steyer clashed with San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan over his record on homelessness. - On immigration, billionaire Tom Steyer stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) "should be abolished," while State Superintendent Tony Thurmond said that as governor, he would restore universal healthcare for undocumented immigrants. - The primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026. Under California's "top-two" primary system, all candidates appear on a single ballot, and only the top two vote-getters, regardless of their party, advance to the November general election. - The race is wide open as incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited and cannot run for a third term. - With a large number of Democratic candidates in the race, some political analysts suggest a scenario where the Democratic vote could be split, potentially allowing two Republican candidates to advance to the general election in the heavily Democratic state.
