Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton traded sharp attacks Wednesday night in California's first and only scheduled gubernatorial debate, with the two candidates offering starkly different visions for the state as they compete to replace departing Governor Gavin Newsom.
The former U.S. Health Secretary under President Biden squared off against Hilton, who spent years as a Fox News host and political commentator, in the CNN-hosted debate. The clash reflected the polarized nature of California politics heading into what ranks among the nation's most watched gubernatorial contests.
Hilton repeatedly invoked the Trump administration's record and policies, attempting to draw Becerra into defending Biden-era decisions on inflation, border security, and healthcare costs. Becerra countered by attacking Hilton's alignment with Republican positions and questioning his record as a television personality rather than an elected official with executive experience.
The economy dominated much of the debate. Becerra emphasized his role securing pharmaceutical price negotiations as Health Secretary and pointed to job creation under the Biden administration. Hilton criticized California's cost of living crisis, high taxes, and business-unfriendly regulations, arguing the state has lost residents and companies to other states under Democratic leadership. The Republican blamed progressive policies for accelerating California's affordability problems.
On immigration, Hilton attacked Becerra over border security failures and sanctuary city policies that Hilton characterized as magnet incentives for illegal crossings. Becerra, himself the son of immigrants, defended the administration's border enforcement efforts while criticizing Republican obstruction of comprehensive immigration reform. The exchange highlighted a core dividing line between the campaigns on border management versus immigration pathway expansion.
Healthcare proved another flashpoint. Becerra touted his record expanding coverage and negotiating drug prices, framing healthcare as a right. Hilton criticized the complexity of California's healthcare system and blamed Democratic policies for rising costs and limited choice. He argued market-based solutions rather than government expansion would improve access and affordability.
Becerra holds significant institutional advantages in the race. As a former California congressman and state attorney general, he brings elected experience and deep roots in the state's Democratic establishment. His tenure as Health Secretary on the national stage elevated his profile during the pandemic response debates.
Hilton faces a steeper climb despite his media prominence. California leans heavily Democratic, with registered Democrats outnumbering Republicans by nearly two-to-one statewide. No Republican has won the California governorship since Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006. Hilton must appeal beyond the Republican base to stand a competitive chance.
The debate gave Hilton a prime opportunity to introduce himself to voters who know him from cable news but may not associate him with serious executive credentials. Becerra used the platform to position himself as the experienced alternative rooted in California governance and the Biden administration's accomplishments.
Newsom, termed out of office, leaves the position open for the first time since 2018. The governor race will draw substantial national attention given California's size, Democratic dominance, and role as a bellwether on liberal policies. The outcome will shape California's direction on taxes, regulation, immigration enforcement, and healthcare for the next four years.