Becerra Under Fire as Rival Debate Attacks Ramp Up in California Governor Race

In the final California governor debate before the June primary, Democratic frontrunner Xavier Becerra faced a coordinated assault from six rivals over ethics, fundraising, and the Dana Williamson campaign-finance case, with Porter pressing for a concrete revenue plan. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan framed himself as a reformer and clashed with Republican Steve Hilton, who, along with fellow GOP candidate Chad Bianco, sought to consolidate the right’s path in blue California. The candidates also sparred over housing and tax credits, and debated AI regulation, with all but Hilton signaling support for tighter chatbot rules. The debate served as a last personal appeal to voters ahead of the primary.