The California governor's race was largely overshadowed by a debate debate, which largely focused on costs of living, immigration, public safety, and President Trump. Xavier Becerra, who has seen a surge in the polls since Eric Swalwell's collapse, was unable to capitalise on his surge in popularity. The debate also highlighted the lack of clarity in the race, with candidates often talking past each other. The gas tax was one of the few issues that produced the cleanest divides on stage, with Becerara defending keeping it to fund infrastructure, while progressive billionaire Tom Steyer shifting blame to oil companies. The closest thing to a real clash was over a controversial video showing a California Highway Patrol officer giving a roadside English proficiency test to a truck driver, raising the issue of racial profiling. Despite these differences, the debate highlighted a sharp divide in how candidates assess Gov. Gavin Newsom's handling of homelessness as much as policy as tone as policy.