2026 California governor debate reaction from candidates amid election to succeed Gavin Newsom
For the first time since Eric Swalwell’s departure from California’s gubernatorial race, the leading gubernatorial candidates took the debate floor on Wednesday, April 22, where the cost of living in California became focal points.
The two Republican candidates — former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco argued that the state’s one-party rule and government overreach have resulted in the myriad of issues facing the state, including cost of living, housing, and homelessness.
Democratic candidates Tom Steyer, Xavier Becerra, Matt Mahan, and Katie Porter were more divided about the root causes of California’s issues, often offering different remedies.
Watch each candidate’s reaction to the debate in this video.
5 takeaways from the debate: https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/nation/california/2026/04/22/what-did-candidates-say-during-california-gubernatorial-debate/89734122007/
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