Seven candidates clash in fiery California governor debate as primary voting begins

Key facts

• Seven candidates participated in the debate on May 5, 2026.
• Mail voting is already underway ahead of the June 2 primary.
• California's average gas price topped $6 per gallon on Tuesday.
• Republican Steve Hilton, endorsed by Trump, promised to reduce gas prices to $3 a gallon.
• Democrat Matt Mahan accused Hilton of lying about the gas price pledge.
• Former state attorney general Xavier Becerra called Trump a 'real menace' for California.
• More than 50 names are on the ballot for the open governor's seat.
• Incumbent Gavin Newsom is term-limited and not running.

A wide-open contest draws sharp attacks

Seven candidates vying to become California's next governor launched into a combative debate on Tuesday, trading accusations over gas prices, taxes, and immigration in a race that remains without a clear leader. The televised event, aired on CNN, came as mail-in ballots were already being sent to voters ahead of the June 2 primary. The debate's early minutes were dominated by California's punishing cost of living, particularly the state's record-high gas prices. the average price per gallon topped $6 on Tuesday, a figure that highlighted deep partisan divides over the causes and potential solutions.

Gas prices ignite partisan firestorm

Democrats on stage, including former state attorney general Xavier Becerra, blamed President Donald Trump and the war in Iran for the surge in fuel costs. Republicans Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco countered that California's gas has long been far more expensive than in other states, regardless of national policies. Hilton, a conservative commentator who has Trump's endorsement, declared he could bring gas prices down to $3 a gallon. Democrat Matt Mahan, the mayor of San Jose, shot back: 'You're lying to people.' Hilton retorted, 'Donald Trump is the president in all the other states in America where the cost of living is way lower than in California.'

Candidates jostle for breakout moments

The debate featured two leading Republicans—Hilton and Bianco—alongside five Democrats: Becerra, former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, billionaire Tom Steyer, Mahan, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Porter, the only woman on stage, at one point interjected, 'Boys, boys, enough with the bickering,' as the exchanges grew heated. With more than 50 names on the ballot, the candidates viewed the debate as a critical juncture to gain momentum. It is the first time in a generation that California's governorship is an open contest, as incumbent Gavin Newsom is term-limited and not seeking reelection.

Trump looms large over Democratic strategies

President Trump received frequent mentions throughout the debate, with Democrats divided on how often to invoke his name. Becerra took an aggressive stance, saying, 'Yes, I'm going to repeat Donald Trump as often as I have to because he's the real menace that we have in California.' The exchange underscored a broader strategic question for Democrats: whether to center their campaigns on opposition to Trump or focus on state-specific issues. Republicans, meanwhile, sought to tie their opponents to the national party's policies, which they argued have driven up costs.

Primary election looms with no clear frontrunner

The June 2 primary will narrow the field, but with no candidate commanding a decisive lead, the race remains highly unpredictable. Mail voting is already underway, and the debate's national audience on CNN signaled the importance of California's contest in shaping the political landscape. the state's heavily Democratic electorate gives an advantage to the eventual Democratic nominee, but the crowded field and the presence of well-funded candidates like Steyer could produce surprises. The Republican candidates, Hilton and Bianco, are banking on voter frustration with the cost of living to galvanize support.

What comes next for California's gubernatorial race

With the primary less than a month away, candidates are expected to ramp up campaigning and advertising. The debate may have provided a breakout moment for some, but the fragmented field means that coalition-building and turnout will be crucial. The outcome will determine who faces off in the general election to replace Newsom, a contest that will test whether California's progressive policies endure or shift toward a more centrist or conservative direction. For now, the race remains wide open, with voters having a rare opportunity to shape the state's future.

The bottom line

• Seven candidates debated on May 5, 2026, with mail voting already underway for the June 2 primary.
• Gas prices, taxes, and immigration were central issues, with Republicans blaming state policies and Democrats pointing to Trump and the Iran war.
• Steve Hilton, endorsed by Trump, promised $3 gas but was accused of lying by Democrat Matt Mahan.
• Xavier Becerra called Trump a 'real menace,' reflecting Democratic divisions on how to handle the former president.
• The open seat, first in a generation, has drawn more than 50 candidates, including five Democrats and two leading Republicans.
• No clear frontrunner has emerged, making the primary highly competitive and unpredictable.