Fiery California governor debate centers on wealth, experience, and race

Six candidates—two Republicans and four Democrats—debated in San Francisco ahead of California’s June primary, trading sharp lines on wealth, experience and race. Tom Steyer faced attacks over his wealth and investments in private prisons and fossil fuels but defended his philanthropy and plans to tax polluters; Xavier Becerra emphasized his long record while Katie Porter pressed for concrete housing funding details. Matt Mahan framed the race as reform-minded, while the two Republicans, Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, avoided broad clashes but tangled over race and policing. The 90‑minute forum was the first televised gubernatorial debate since Swalwell exited, occurring as ballots go out and a crowded field tests California’s top-two primary dynamics.)