There are debates being held to assist voters in deciding who to vote for in the June 2 primary where the two candidates receiving the most votes for governor will be placed on the ballot for the November election.
One such debate, held on April 28, 2026 at Pomona College, provides examples of the philosophies of eight candidates.
The Moderators
—Pat Harvey, CBS Los Angeles anchor
—Tony Lopez, CBS Sacramento anchor
—Ryan Yamamoto, CBS Bay Area anchor
—Julie Watts, CBS News California Investigative correspondent
—Sara Sadhwani, Pomona College political science professor.
The Democrat Candidates
—Katie Porter: Former U.S. Representative (9%).
—Matt Mahan: San Jose Mayor (4%).
—Tom Steyer: Billionaire and environmental activist (15%).
—Xavier Becerra: Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary (13%).
—Tony Thurmond: State Schools Superintendent (1%).
—Antonio Villaraigosa: Former Los Angeles Mayor (4%).
The Republicans Candidates
—Chad Bianco: Riverside County Sheriff (10%).
—Steve Hilton: Conservative commentator and former Fox News commentator (16%).
(The percentages after each name reflects the percentage of voters for each candidate according to a CBS poll taken after the democrats leading candidate Eric Swalwell withdrew from the governor’s race and congress after numerous allegations of malfeasance including allegations of sexual misconduct. An estimated 26% of voters were undecided.)
The format prohibited candidates from making opening or closing statements; the only topics covered were those raised by the moderators.
In the 90-minute program candidates were limited to 45 seconds; in-depth answers were not possible.
Background
California is consistently ranked as the least affordable state in the U.S. (ranking 50th), driven by the nation’s highest housing costs—with home prices over twice the national average—and exceptionally high transportation costs. While some rankings place it 3rd or 4th in overall cost of living, it is rarely above 47th for affordability (US News and World Report).
A CBS News poll released April 27 indicated that many voters say the state’s cost of living has become unmanageable. Democrats polled were largely looking for candidates aligned with current state policies and opposed to President Trump. Republicans largely prioritize change, with 76% saying the state’s economy is in bad shape.
The last time Republicans held the majority in both houses of the California legislature was 1970.
The last time California had a Republican governor was 2011.
The Debate
The Democrat candidates generally blamed the issues facing Californians on: “greedy” corporations and President Donald Trump.
Republicans pointed to the state’s long-standing Democrat leadership as the problem.
Highlights
—Affordability, Hilton vowed to make the state “Califordable,” by cutting the cost of utilities and making home-buying accessible to young people. Bianco said the progressive agenda is “destroying California” and as governor he would work to carry out the mandate of the voters.
—Healthcare, Becerra, who worked on the Affordable Care Act, said the first thing he would do is “stop Donald Trump.” His complaint was that Trump did not support the ever increasing charges to taxpayers that were necessary to continue the euphemistically named “Affordable Care Act.”
“Stop Trump” became the primary theme of the Democrats rather than changing their policies.
—Housing, Thurmond said to promote the “American Dream” he’d work to provide down-payment assistance and build two million housing units on surplus school properties.
Villaraigosa suggested a $25 billion first-time buyer assistance program “at no cost to taxpayers.”
Pennies from heaven?
Porter said California has to “build faster” without mentioning the example of the regulatory nightmare constructed by her party that is playing out in the Pacific Palisades.
—Gas prices, which Tom Steyer blamed on President Trump and the war with Iran. His solution would be for California to outsource all its refining to other states or other countries.
He was not asked how adding all the additional shipping costs would lower the price of gas in California, or about the war being temporary while the additional $1.50-1.70 California taxes that are permanent, or about California’s new law that has already driven up the price of gas by causing 3 of the 9 refineries in California to close.
—Insurance rates for homeowners, which Becerra promised to freeze despite moderator Julie Watts reminding him that the California Supreme Court had already said that was unconstitutional.
Porter called California’s FAIR Plan, that makes coverage available to residents who are unable to find policies, a “huge financial liability” and the state should insure the insurers so they can return and write more affordable polices.
Once again a proposal for taxpayers to pay more after Democrat polices caused the problems.
—Education, Villaraigosa called college tuition “unacceptable” and that his approach as mayor in working with L.A. Unified School District while mayor reflects how he would handle the situation.
There were no follow-up questions about why Democrat policies have caused California to rank 43rd in achievement in levels K-12 or why illegals are given free tuition at colleges.
Porter suggested two years of free tuition at state universities.
Not free to taxpayers.
—Time was spent on a series of relatively trivial issues, including:
—Charging fees on zero emission vehicles.
—Truck drivers being able to read English which is supported by the Trump administrated but opposed by Democrats in California.
—Whether young children should be barred from using social media without mentioning how this might be enforced.
Republicans largely prioritize change with 76% saying the state’s economy is in bad shape.
Conclusion
States such as Florida and Texas are flourishing, so the problem is not Trump: it is the party that has been running California.
Vote for Change: What do you have to lose (that you haven’t lost already)?
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