Six candidates running for California governor squared off on the debate stage Wednesday in San Francisco, just weeks after Rep. Eric Swalwell exited the race following sexual assault allegations that he has denied. The debate, hosted by The Hill's parent company NewsNation and Nexstar, offered Democrats their first major opportunity to differentiate themselves in a crowded field ahead of the June 2 nonpartisan primary.
The debate came amid continued shakeups in the Democratic race. Betty Yee dropped out of the race this week, narrowing the competitive field amid concerns that multiple Democratic candidates could splinter the party's vote. Under California's top-two primary system, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation, creating the possibility that two Republicans could face off in November in the deep blue state.
What the Right Is Saying
Former Fox News host Steve Hilton, who received Trump's endorsement earlier this month, emphasized the significance of the presidential backing. 'It is a deep honor for me to be endorsed by the president of the United States,' Hilton said Wednesday, adding that he would have a 'constructive relationship and partnership with the federal government' if elected.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, also a Republican candidate, joined Hilton in giving California Gov. Gavin Newsom a failing grade on homelessness during the debate. Both Republicans criticized Democrats' handling of the state's issues.
Despite Trump's endorsement of Hilton, it remains unclear whether California Republicans will coalesce around a single candidate. At the state party's recent convention, neither Hilton nor Bianco reached the 60 percent threshold needed to earn the official GOP endorsement. Some observers suggest Trump's low approval rating in California could factor into the race, though Hilton has shrugged off that concern.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic candidates positioned themselves as resistance to President Trump during Wednesday's debate, emphasizing their willingness to oppose the administration if elected. Former Rep. Katie Porter explicitly tied the governor's role to Trump resistance, stating, 'I would absolutely fight the Trump administration, because the job of the California governor is to protect Californians, and right now that includes protecting them from Donald Trump.'
Billionaire candidate Tom Steyer emphasized that both Trump and the head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement have 'posted against' him, but stated he would not step back. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said he would 'fight back' against potential Trump attacks while also seeking common ground on certain issues.
The California Democratic Party expressed concern about polling that showed two Republicans potentially advancing past the primary. 'Two Republicans still lead, with Democrats trailing closely behind–a reminder that the risk of Democrats being locked out of the General Election, while low, is real,' the party said in a statement. The party called on candidates to 'honestly assess their path to win.'
What the Numbers Show
The debate featured six candidates: three Democrats — former Rep. Katie Porter, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, and billionaire Tom Steyer — plus San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a Democrat-leaning independent. The Republican field included former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
Democratic candidates gave Gov. Gavin Newsom grades on homelessness ranging from an A 'on effort' (Becerra) to a B-minus (Steyer), with Porter giving a B. Mahan gave a B on policy but a D for Democrats on implementation. Both Republicans gave Newsom failing grades.
The California Democratic Party released polling showing a scenario where both Republicans could advance to the general election, though Democrats trailed closely behind. Swalwell's name will still appear on the June 2 ballot despite exiting the race, as will Yee's.
The Bottom Line
The debate largely failed to produce clear standout moments that could reshape the crowded Democratic primary, with candidates largely avoiding sharp attacks on each other or Gov. Newsom. With just over a month until the primary, Democrats face the challenge of consolidating support while avoiding a scenario where two Republicans advance to November.
Trump's endorsement of Hilton may have shifted the dynamics, potentially ensuring a Democrat-versus-Republican general election in a state Trump lost handily in each of his presidential campaigns. Democrats agreed to endorse whichever party member advances to the general, but the challenge remains for any candidate to break through in a fractured field. The debate's impact may ultimately depend on whether viral moments emerge in the coming days that resonate with undecided voters.