Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton Clash in California Governor Debate

Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton clashed over taxes, immigration, and artificial intelligence regulation during a CNN-hosted debate on Wednesday, in the heavily Democratic state of California. Hilton, a 57-year-old former Fox News host endorsed by Donald Trump, criticized Becerra for running a low-profile campaign. “He wasn’t even supposed to be the candidate,” Hilton said of Becerra’s unexpected primary success. “I just want to ask every Californian: Aren’t you tired of that?” Becerra, 68, defended his record as a former congressman and Biden administration health secretary, framing his experience as essential for managing the state’s cost of living and acting as a barrier against federal policies.

Taxes and Voter ID Ballots Draw Sharp Disagreements

Both candidates stated they would oppose the proposed billionaire tax on the November ballot, a one-time 5% levy on California residents worth more than $1 billion. Becerra’s stance places him in opposition to prominent progressives such as Senator Bernie Sanders, who planned to campaign for the measure over the weekend. However, the opponents split on Proposition 39, which mandates government-issued IDs for in-person voting. Becerra opposed the measure, calling it a Trump-backed initiative designed to suppress turnout, while Hilton supported it while expressing confidence in the existing election administration.

Immigration policy also sparked a personal exchange. Becerra accused Hilton of favoring policies that welcome immigrants resembling Hilton’s background while seeking to deport those resembling Becerra’s Mexican-immigrant heritage. Hilton called the remark disgraceful. On technology policy, Becerra linked Hilton’s approach to artificial intelligence regulation directly to Donald Trump, prompting Hilton to distance himself slightly by emphasizing his goal to lower political temperatures.

Becerra Leads Hilton in Governor Race

Becerra secured the frontrunner position in the June primary following the departure of Eric Swalwell amid sexual misconduct allegations, which Swalwell denied. Hilton captured second place with backing from Donald Trump, avoiding a Democratic lockout under California’s nonpartisan primary system. Recent polling shows Becerra holding a significant lead over Hilton in a state that has not elected a Republican governor in twenty years.

The race unfolds against public dissatisfaction with the direction of the state, though fewer than a quarter of likely voters approve of Donald Trump’s job performance. Hilton continued his statewide blitz following the debate, accusing Becerra of hiding from voters and serving as a product of Sacramento politics. Becerra countered that California’s economic and social challenges are too severe to entrust to a political newcomer.

Ballot Distribution and the November 3 General Election

Voters across California will begin receiving their mail-in ballots ahead of the November 3 general election.