Democrats dig into each other on debate stage in crowded California governor race
By Grace Hase
Published on April 23, 2026.
Six of the leading California governor candidates faced off in the first televised debate since Eric Swalwell's resignation due to sexual misconduct allegations. Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco, both Republicans, criticized the Democrats' "one-party rule" in California. Meanwhile, billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer and former U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra were targeted by their Democratic counterparts due to new polls showing their rise in popularity. The debate was hosted by Nexstar Media Group and led to a new independent poll from Emerson College to clarify the debate's stage. The first of three debates will give the candidates a chance to make their case for voters before ballots arrive next month.
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