Top: (from left) Steve Hilton, Matt Mahan, Tom Steyer, Xavier Becerra Bottom: (from left) Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa, Betty Yee
California's first gubernatorial debate showcased sharp policy differences as candidates vying to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom presented their visions for addressing the state's affordability crisis.
Six Democrats and one Republican faced off in San Francisco on Tuesday in a televised event hosted by FOX 11 and KTVU FOX 2. The debate highlighted growing frustration with the current administration's approach to persistent problems like homelessness and the high cost of living.
Democratic candidates proposed a range of populist economic solutions. Billionaire environmental activist Tom Steyer, despite his wealth, emerged as one of the strongest voices for taxing the ultra-rich. Steyer has publicly supported a proposed 5% tax on billionaire wealth that could appear on the November ballot, saying he would vote for it despite concerns about its design.
"We need to continue to be the creative engine of the country and the world," Steyer said in a recent interview. "The issue isn't the innovation, it's how the money is getting shared. Over half of Californians are still living paycheck to paycheck."
Other progressive proposals from Democratic candidates included implementing rent control measures and freezing utility costs to combat California's soaring housing expenses. Several candidates directly criticized Governor Newsom's administration for what they characterized as ineffective spending, particularly pointing to $24 billion allocated for homelessness programs that critics argue failed to address root causes.
The lone Republican in the debate, former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton, took a different approach, blaming "one-party Democrat rule" for California's problems and advocating for tax cuts rather than increases.
"The highest rate of poverty in the country. These people, they endlessly lecture us about compassion and social justice — the highest rate of poverty," Hilton said in previous campaign statements. "One-third of Californians can't meet their basic needs."
The race remains wide open with more voters currently undecided than supporting any single candidate. Steyer leads in fundraising with $28.9 million, though nearly all of that money came from his personal fortune.
Other prominent candidates include former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, former State Controller Betty Yee, and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.
The debate comes ahead of California's June 2 primary election, where the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, will advance to the November general election. With Governor Newsom unable to run due to term limits, California will soon have new leadership at a time when the state faces significant economic and social challenges.