Tuesday’s California governor debate gets heated. Here are 6 key takeaways

Seven candidates clashed Tuesday night in a combative CNN debate ahead of California’s June 2 primary to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom. Democrat Xavier Becerra, the front-runner among Democrats, faced repeated attacks over his record, donations and management style.

FULL STORY: Rivals target Becerra in combative CNN debate for California governor

Here are key takeaways:

• The race is tight: A California Democratic Party poll released Monday showed Becerra tied at 18% with Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host endorsed by President Donald Trump. Only the top two finishers, regardless of party, advance to the general election.
• Becerra under fire: Rivals targeted his three decades in politics, his acceptance of a $39,200 Chevron campaign contribution, his commitment to single-payer healthcare and a corruption scandal involving a former aide who pleaded guilty to siphoning funds from Becerra’s dormant campaign account.
• Bianco’s ties to far-right militia: When former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco an Oath Keeper, Bianco said he was “very proud of it.” He clarified when pressed by moderators that he was referencing his public service. But Bianco also defended the mission of Oath Keepers. When Villaraigosa connected the group to the Jan. 6, 2021 attack at the U.S. Capitol, Bianco reacted with outrage, saying, “I saw politicians molesting kids. Does that mean you molest kids?”
• Single-payer healthcare divides the field: Tom Steyer and former Rep. Katie Porter defended the policy, while San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan accused Democrats of “not being honest” about costs. Villaraigosa called it “pie in the sky.” Hilton said single payer “nearly killed me” during his years in Britain.
• One word for Newsom: Villaraigosa said “performative,” Porter said “bold,” Steyer said “progressive,” Hilton said “failed,” Bianco said “failure,” Becerra said “game-changing” and Mahan said “incomplete.”
• Early voting underway: Voters are already casting ballots. Another debate hosted by Los Angeles TV station KNBC and Telemundo affiliate KVEA airs Wednesday at 7 p.m. Viewers in Sacramento can watch it on local NBC affiliate KCRA or Telemundo affiliate KSCO. The event will also stream for free on nbcla.com or telemundo52.com.

This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 11:14 AM with the headline "Tuesday’s California governor debate gets heated. Here are 6 key takeaways."