In a debate that put the state's soaring cost of living front and center, seven candidates vying for California's governorship met for the final time Thursday evening. The discussion, hosted by the San Francisco Examiner and CBS News California, zeroed in on voters' deepening concerns over gas, grocery, and housing prices ahead of the June 2 primary.
Becerra Under Fire on Healthcare and Ethics
Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, now leading the pack by a narrow margin, faced pointed questions on his economic platform, particularly his support for single-payer healthcare. Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer challenged Becerra over an endorsement and donations from the California Medical Association, which opposes the policy. Steyer noted that the group's president claimed Becerra privately told doctors he wasn't backing single-payer. “So are they lying?” Steyer asked.
Becerra, who has publicly backed “Medicare for All,” denied any contradiction. But the exchange underscored tensions within the Democratic field. Former Rep. Katie Porter also pressed Becerra on his revenue plan, holding up a handwritten sign demanding specifics. Becerra pointed to his tenure on the House Ways and Means Committee, vowing to overhaul tax codes so “everyone pays their fair share.”
Porter countered with four concrete proposals: affordable housing, free child care, tuition-free state universities, and eliminating state income taxes for residents earning under $100,000 annually.
Gas Prices and Energy Policy
With California's average gas price topping $6 a gallon, Republican candidate Steve Hilton argued for boosting offshore oil production—a move backed by the Trump administration but opposed by most Democrats. “We are shipping oil 7,500 miles in giant supertankers, spewing carbon emissions,” Hilton said. “In the name of climate, we are increasing carbon emissions. We need some common sense here.”
The debate also touched on broader affordability challenges. According to recent studies, homeowner veto power over new housing developments has exacerbated the crisis, a point that resonated with several candidates.
Campaign Fraud Scandal Hangs Over Becerra
Hilton and Steyer also hammered Becerra over a campaign finance scandal. His former political adviser, Dana Williamson, pleaded guilty Thursday to stealing $225,000 from a Becerra campaign account. Two other aides had earlier entered guilty pleas. “You shouldn't be in this race; you should be preparing your criminal defense,” Hilton said.
Becerra, who has not been charged, told moderators he had “nothing to do” with the scheme. The controversy, however, threatens to overshadow his policy message as he tries to consolidate support.
Race Tightens as Primary Nears
A new Emerson College Polling and Inside California Politics survey shows Becerra at 19 percent, just two points ahead of Steyer and Hilton. The race was reshaped after former frontrunner Eric Swalwell dropped out last month. With the primary just days away, the final debate offered voters a stark choice on how to tackle the state's affordability crisis—and which candidates can withstand the heat of a brutal campaign.
For more on how the affordability debate is playing out nationally, read about how Democrats are shifting their strategy after a key Virginia ruling. And for the latest on the gubernatorial race, see our analysis of Becerra's edge in the polls.
