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The gloves came off as all eight candidates for California’s new governor sparred in a raucous TV debate marked by numerous chaotic interuptions and tense exchanges among the candidates. It comes just days before ballots start landing in mailboxes.
It’s the first time all eight remaining candidates have been in a debate lineup together. The debate was held at Pomona College on Tuesday night.
The six Democrats and two Republicans sought every second to speak louder or land a shot that could take down a close polling opponent.
Riding a recent surge in campaign momentum, Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra fired across the aisle first.
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“The first thing we have to do is stop Steve Hilton’s daddy, who has endorsed him and said that’s what we got to do from becoming the next Governor of the State of California,” Becerra said. “We need someone who’s going to fight Donald Trump, not agree with him.”
With the backing of President Trump, Hilton is trying to reclaim California’s governor’s office for Republicans for the first time since Arnold Schwarzenegger, and for now, he’s leading the pack, but barely.
“We’ve had the same people in charge for 16 years now, and because it’s such a disaster and such a high cost of living for everyone, and the highest poverty rate in the country and the highest unemployment rate in the country,” Hilton said. They can’t do anything except blame Trump.”
PREVIOUS REPORT: 6 leading candidates for California governor face off in debate ahead of primary election
The big question following the debate: Did it help any of the six leading candidates stand out in the chaotic race for governor?
One issue at the top of mind for California voters is the exorbitant cost of living. Only half of Californians own their own homes — one of the worst rates in the country.
“My mother was an immigrant who came here from Panama, and she bought a home, and everyone should have the opportunity. It’s slipping away. And as governor, the first thing I’ll do is provide down payment assistance grants to those who want to own a home,” said Democrat Tony Thurmond.
“I’ve argued that we need to have first-time buyer assistance, a $25 billion initiative, at no cost to the taxpayer, that will help them get into their first house and build up to 150,000 units,” said former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “In addition, we need to fast-track and streamline the housing building. I did that when I was mayor.”
While California residents begin casting ballots, they’re paying more for gas than drivers across the country.
“I’m the only candidate on this stage who has pledged to suspend and then reform the gas tax. It is the most regressive tax in California,” said Sam Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. “Working people, rural people, are spending three times as much maintaining our roads than wealthier EV owners. We need to change that.”
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Billionaire investor Tom Steyer, the leading Democrat, and former Orange County representative Katie Porter clashed over taxes.
“It’s true the fossil fuel companies are still providing gasoline to us at inflated prices,” Steyer said. “We need to make them pay for the costs that they have had, including all the houses that burned down.”
“I think what we should be asking you is: How about profiteers pay?” Porter said to Steyer. “You paid the lowest tax rate on this stage, and yet you made the billions that you’re using to fund your campaign off fossil fuels.”
Staunch Republican and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco made it clear that he’s fed up across the board.
“I’m terrified that one of these people is going to be your next governor, and these kids are all going to have to move. This is absolutely ridiculous,” Bianco said. “We’re lying to everyone. We’re not taking responsibility for failed Democrat policies that have brought us here.”
“If you have any ideas, share them. Otherwise, stop wasting the public’s dollars to steal ballots and to try and keep people from voting,” Thurmond said to Bianco.
Despite a few spicy exchanges, it’s not clear if any candidate left with a lasting impression with a breakout moment.
The Primary Election is on June 2.
Only the top two candidates, regardless of party, will advance to the November election.
Democrats are desperately trying to eke out one of those spots, and with about 25% of voters still undecided, the next four weeks of campaigning could make a real difference.
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