Democratic Hopefuls Fire Sharp Attacks at Steyer and Becerra in Heated California Governor Debate
Democratic candidates scrambling for traction in California’s chaotic governor’s race took aim at frontrunners Tom Steyer and Xavier Becerra in a turbulent debate Tuesday night at Pomona College, just days before ballots are set to be mailed to more than 20 million state voters.
The CBS-hosted debate underscored the volatile and uncertain landscape of the race, with none of the six Democrats able to deliver a clear breakout moment amid frequent interruptions and a fragmented format. Former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter summed up the evening’s discord, comparing the debate to “worse than my teenagers at dinner.”
Steyer Attacked Over Fossil Fuel Investments Despite Climate Pledges
Steyer, who leads in current Democratic polling and has spent over $132 million of his own fortune on the race, faced pointed criticism for his prior investments in fossil fuels. Porter confronted his climate-friendly campaign by challenging the billionaire over profiting from polluters, demanding “How about profiteers pay?” Steyer defended himself by highlighting his divestment and dedication to combating climate change.
Becerra Under Fire for Policy Details and Immigration Record
Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, emerged as a new target after a recent boost in polling. Moderate San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan criticized Becerra’s mixed record on healthcare and questioned his reluctance to clarify key policies, including the legality of his proposal to freeze home insurance rates. Becerra clashed with moderators, highlighting rising tensions.
Becerra’s tenure as health secretary has also drawn scrutiny over his handling of unaccompanied migrant children, with investigations revealing children were pushed through systems resembling an “assembly line” and some ending up in dangerous labor jobs. Becerra called such criticism “MAGA talking points,” blaming the Department of Homeland Security instead.
Republican Chad Bianco Turns Up Heat with Controversial Claims
Republican candidate Chad Bianco, Riverside County sheriff, aggressively lambasted Democratic policies and pushed misleading claims, including a false statement that COVID-19 vaccines “poisoned” millions of Americans. His combative style frustrated the audience and drew sharp rebuttals from Democratic Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, who countered Bianco’s recent contested seizure of 650,000 ballots in Riverside County.
Democrats Struggle to Stand Out as Ballots Near
Despite the fierce attacks on Steyer and Becerra, the six Democrats failed to clearly distinguish themselves on critical issues such as healthcare, housing, energy, and the soaring cost of living. None openly challenged the policies of incumbent Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has remained neutral and withheld endorsement.
The candidates’ constant interruptions and rapid topic shifts made it difficult for voters to grasp specific policy proposals. Mahan criticized the lack of clarity by calling most plans “all wrong” but provided little alternative beyond vague talk of “incentivizing actual health.”
Key Divisions on Homelessness, Gas Tax, and Energy Policies
All eight candidates supported mandatory mental health treatment for homeless residents refusing shelter — a rare point of consensus. However, they split over the state’s gas tax: moderate Democrats Mahan and Thurmond sided with Republican calls for suspension, while Steyer, Becerra, Porter, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa opposed it.
On energy policy, some Democrats advocated keeping California’s oil refineries operational while steadily transitioning to electrification, contrasting sharply with Republican Steve Hilton who promised to roll back many climate goals to lower gas prices but offered no clear clean energy plan.
Voters Left Confused as Race Tightens
Post-debate, Kloi Ogans, a California college student attending the debate, expressed frustration over the muddled discussion, noting she was “more confused on who to vote for now than ever.” With concerns over housing affordability and immigration enforcement on the rise among young voters, the stagnant debate dynamics risk further disengagement in a pivotal race facing significant national attention.
With ballots arriving soon, candidates will need to sharpen their messages and break through the noise to sway a deeply divided Democratic electorate, while Republicans continue to command leading positions in many polls.
