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Seven California Gubernatorial Candidates Clash Over Taxes and Healthcare During Televised Primary Debate

2026 California Gubernatorial Election·April 13 – May 6, 2026

14 days ago

Seven California Gubernatorial Candidates Clash Over Taxes and Healthcare During Televised Primary Debate

Seven candidates for California governor met on stage to debate key issues ahead of the June 2 primary election. The discussion focused on affordability, gas prices, immigration, and healthcare as candidates tried to stand out in a crowded field Seven candidates for California governor participated in a televised debate. This event follows the exit of former Representative Eric Swalwell and the rise of Xavier Becerra as the current frontrunner Candidates for California governor debated in a primary race. The debate featured sharp disagreements over tax policy and campaign finance Seven candidates for California governor participated in a primary debate. Candidates also addressed specific concerns regarding the state's high cost of living California gubernatorial candidates debated policy issues. This televised meeting served as a final opportunity for the seven participants to distinguish their platforms before voters head to the polls Seven candidates for California governor participated in a televised primary debate.
Video: California Governor's Race Heats Up on Crowded Debate StageSeven candidates for California governor participate in televised debateCalifornia gubernatorial candidates debate affordability and immigration

15 days ago

Candidates for California Governor Target Frontrunner Xavier Becerra in Heated Primary Debate

Seven candidates for California governor met for a televised debate as early voting begins for the June 2 primary. The event featured sharp exchanges over state issues like affordability, gas prices, and immigration as candidates sought to distinguish their platforms. Frontrunner Xavier Becerra faced frequent attacks from his opponents who aimed to challenge his lead in the jumbled field. During the debate, candidates were asked to describe Governor Gavin Newsom's performance in a single word, highlighting deep divisions over the state's current direction amid discussions on healthcare and taxes. While some participants focused on policy solutions, others engaged in bickering and blame regarding national political influences. This debate marks a critical moment for the remaining candidates following the recent exit of Eric Swalwell from the race.
California gubernatorial candidates pounce on Becerra at debateKey moments from CNN's California governor primary debateCandidates for governor asked to use one-word to describe Gavin Newsom's performance

18 days ago

Steve Hilton Formally Launches California Gubernatorial Campaign Citing Republican Vote Growth

Steve Hilton has officially launched his campaign for Governor of California. He points to recent growth in Republican presidential vote totals as evidence that a GOP candidate can win the state Steve Hilton announces his campaign. Hilton previously worked as a political consultant and television host Steve Hilton is polling as a potential candidate. Hilton enters the race with an endorsement from Donald Trump Hilton is campaigning with an endorsement from Donald Trump. Other candidates in the race recently held a debate to discuss the state's economy after Eric Swalwell left the field candidates participate in a debate. During these discussions, some candidates expressed support for the current governor's economic performance candidates support Governor Newsom's economic performance.
Gone are the days when California had a Republican governor - or are they?Former Fox News host and political adviser Steve Hilton is polling as a potential Republican candidateSteve Hilton, a Republican political consultant, is campaigning for Governor of California

18 days ago

Steve Hilton Gains Momentum in California Governor Race with Trump Endorsement

Former Fox News host Steve Hilton is emerging as a prominent Republican candidate in the 2026 California gubernatorial election. Hilton is a political consultant who is polling as a potential contender for the office. His campaign has gained significant attention after receiving an endorsement from Donald Trump. This development follows a period of transition in the race after Representative Eric Swalwell withdrew from the contest. While Democratic candidates recently held a debate to gain momentum, Hilton's presence introduces a high-profile Republican alternative to the field. Some candidates have also used recent platforms to discuss economic performance under the current administration.
How a Trump-Endorsed Republican Could Become California's Next GovernorSteve Hilton: could this British former Fox News host be California's next governor?Representative Eric Swalwell withdraws from the 2026 California gubernatorial race

20 days ago

Becerra and Steyer Debate for Momentum After Swalwell Exits California Governor Race

Representative Eric Swalwell left the California governor race after sexual misconduct allegations, though he denies the claims Swalwell exit shakes up race. His exit leaves nine major candidates to compete for the position Where the race stands. This change has altered the field as the primary election gets closer What happens after Swalwell stepped down. Candidates Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer recently debated to gain momentum with voters Becerra and Steyer battle for momentum. They also discussed Governor Gavin Newsom's economic record and how inflation is affecting California Newsom's economic record.
Where the California Governor Race Stands After Swalwell's ExitWhat Happens in California Governor's Race After Eric Swalwell Stepped Down?Swalwell exit shakes up chaotic California governor's race

News

Video: California Governor's Race Heats Up on Crowded Debate Stage

nytimes.com logoThe New York TimesCenter Left

5 Takeaways From the California Gubernatorial Debate

nytimes.com logoThe New York TimesCenter Left

'Bickering' and blaming Trump dominate California gubernatorial debate

washingtonexaminer.com logoWashington ExaminerCenter Right

California gubernatorial candidates pounce on Becerra at debate

thehill.com logoThe HillCenter

Key moments from CNN's California governor primary debate

edition.cnn.com logoCNN InternationalCenter Left

Candidates for governor asked to use one-word to describe Gavin Newsom's performance

nypost.com logoNew York PostCenter Right

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.