The California governor's race was marked by a heated debate, with seven candidates vying for positions and no clear frontrunner. The debate, which was nationally televised, often involved direct clashes between Republicans and Democrats, particularly within the Democratic field. Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco argued that Democratic governance has driven up costs and improved quality of life. Democrats, including Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, and Antonio Villaraigosa, defended the state's policy direction but also highlighted divisions within the party. The most consistent throughline of the evening was the cost of living, particularly gas prices, which hovered above $6 per gallon statewide. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becherra claimed that President Donald Trump is responsible for raising living costs in California, singling out the war in Iran and rising gas prices. Healthcare questions also proved divisive, particularly around the question of a single-payer system.