Key takeaways from the California gubernatorial debate with Paris Barraza
Today, California reporter Paris Barraza breaks down last night’s California gubernatorial debate, highlighting the best moments, policy clashes, and what it means for voters.
With less than a month until the June 2 primary, California’s leading candidates for governor are back on the debate stage, likely poised to square off on affordability and other key issues plaguing the state.
Participating in the CNN-sponsored debate are Republicans Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, and Democrats Xavier Becerra, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, and Antonio Villaraigosa.
California Public Instruction Superintendent Tony Thurmond, a Democrat, was not eligible to participate in the CNN debate. He was one of the participants in a lively discussion held a week earlier at Pomona College’s Bridges Auditorium. During the debate, the candidates had a heated debate over health care (in which Becerra called out President Donald Trump with a colorful “Steve Hilton’s dad” comment) and answered “yes” or “no” to questions about federal immigration enforcement and homelessness.
What the latest California gubernatorial election poll shows
According to a SurveyUSA poll released on Monday, May 4, 20% of voters would vote for Hilton if the primary were held today. This was followed by Steyer with 18%. Bianco and Becerra were the only other candidates with double-digit support.
Meanwhile, another poll shared by the California Democratic Party on May 4 found that 18% of likely voters said they would vote for Hilton if the primary were held today. But 18% of likely voters also believe they support Becerra. The former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services defeated Steyer, who has frequently led among Democratic candidates in opinion polls.
What time is the CNN debate tonight?
The debate will begin on Tuesday, May 5th at 6pm PDT.
How can I watch the California gubernatorial debate?
According to CNN, the debate will be broadcast live on CNN, CNN International, CNN Spanish, and streaming to subscribers.
When is California’s primary election?
The primary election will be held on June 2nd, and the top two gubernatorial vote-getters, regardless of party, will advance to the general election on November 3rd.
When is the next California gubernatorial debate?
NBC4/KNBC and Telemundo 52/KVEA will host a one-hour debate among leading candidates for governor on Wednesday, May 6th at 7pm PDT.
Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. please contact her pbarraza@usatodayco.com.
