Democratic California Governor Candidates Clash in Turbulent Debate Targeting Steyer and Becerra
Six Democratic candidates for California governor engaged in a fiery, chaotic debate on Tuesday night at Pomona College, aggressively targeting frontrunner billionaire Tom Steyer and former U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra less than a week before ballots are mailed to voters. The contentious debate, broadcast on CBS, lacked a clear breakout performance as candidates sparred over climate, health care, housing, and policy records.
The debate quickly focused on Steyer’s massive personal campaign cash — at least $132 million so far — and his prior investments in fossil fuel companies despite his current climate change platform of “making polluters pay.” Former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter delivered a sharp rebuke: “How about profiteers pay?” questioning Steyer’s climate credentials and fossil fuel fortune.
Becerra, who surged recently after former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s exit, faced pointed criticism from moderate San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan for his mixed record as Health Secretary. Becerra sparred heatedly with moderators over the legality of his proposal to freeze home insurance rates via a state of emergency, exposing tensions about policy details.
Steyer and Becerra’s Records Under Fire With Eye on Final Stretch of Race
Steyer’s campaign support among left-wing activists contrasts with criticisms pointing to his fossil fuel ties. Meanwhile, progressives and Steyer’s camp have spotlighted Becerra’s connections to companies like Chevron and his controversial handling of unaccompanied migrant children under Biden’s administration. A 2023 New York Times investigation found children placed under Becerra’s watch ended up in dangerous child labor jobs. Becerra dismissed the allegations as partisan attacks, blaming the Department of Homeland Security.
Republican candidate Chad Bianco, Riverside County sheriff, aggressively attacked Democratic policies, claiming falsehoods and undermining vaccine efforts with unfounded statements on COVID-19 vaccine safety, drawing groans from the audience. Bianco also defended his controversial recent seizure of 650,000 ballots in Riverside County, provoking rebukes from Democratic Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
Democratic Candidates Struggle to Stand Out While Debating Critical Issues
Despite the fierce exchanges targeting Steyer and Becerra, the Democrats largely failed to differentiate themselves on urgent issues like the soaring cost of living, housing affordability, healthcare access, and energy policy. The scattered debate format, marked by frequent interruptions and topic jumps, left voters like Pomona College student Kloi Ogans frustrated and confused about who to support.
All Democratic and Republican candidates backed mandating mental health treatment for homeless residents refusing shelter offers. Gas tax suspension divided the field: moderate Democrats Matt Mahan and Tony Thurmond sided with Republicans Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton in favor; Steyer, Porter, Becerra, and former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa opposed. Energy policies also split, with Porter advocating keeping oil refineries operational temporarily while pursuing electrification, contrasting with Steyer’s calls for stronger oil industry taxes.
Republican leader Steve Hilton, who continues dominating polling, avoided clear endorsements on clean energy despite pledging to roll back climate goals to reduce gas prices, creating further uncertainty for voters.
What’s Next in California’s Governor Race
With ballots due to mail in less than a week, candidates face mounting pressure to clarify their platforms and rally voters amid a fractured Democratic field and aggressive Republican opposition. Recent debate chaos highlights the volatility in this pivotal race that will impact California’s leadership at a critical time, with broader national attention on the state’s political direction.
“I think I’m more confused on who to vote for now than ever,” said one Pomona College politics student after Tuesday’s debate, capturing widespread voter uncertainty.
The next critical phase will be voter outreach and early ballot returns, with key battleground areas like Riverside County under scrutiny for election integrity amid heightened political tensions.
