Six candidates participated in a televised debate at KRON Studios in San Francisco on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, marking the first major test of the field following Eric Swalwell’s exit from the California gubernatorial race.

Swalwell's Departure Reshapes the Race

Swalwell’s abrupt departure, stemming from serious sexual misconduct allegations, dramatically reshaped the political landscape. This left voters without a clear frontrunner and prompted a scramble for support among the remaining candidates as the June 2 primary approaches.

The primary will determine the top two vote-getters, who will then advance to the general election in November, regardless of their party affiliation.

Democratic Candidates Clash

The debate highlighted a clear divide between the Democratic and Republican candidates. On the Democratic side, billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer and former U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra emerged as early targets, gaining prominence after Swalwell’s withdrawal.

Attacks and Scrutiny

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan directly attacked Becerra, labeling him a “DC insider” favored by the Sacramento establishment. Former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter criticized Becerra’s housing plan as insufficiently ambitious.

Steyer faced scrutiny regarding past investments made through his former hedge fund, Farallon Capital, specifically a two-year investment in Corrections Corp. of America, a private prison operator. He defended his record by highlighting his and his wife’s financing of 17,000 low-income housing units through their nonprofit bank.

Republican Candidates Unite in Criticism

Representing the Republican party, former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco positioned themselves as agents of change. They vehemently criticized the Democrats’ long-standing “one-party rule” in California.

Hilton and Bianco argued that this dominance has worsened the state’s most pressing issues, including the housing crisis and homelessness. They largely refrained from attacking each other, focusing instead on a unified critique of Democratic policies.

Focus on Sound Bites and Future Debates

Political analysts noted that candidates prioritized delivering sound bites designed for social media and news coverage over comprehensive discussion. The debate, hosted by Nexstar Media Group, is the first of four scheduled events leading up to the June 2 primary.

The shifting dynamics of the race are evident in the rise of Becerra and Mahan, who secured their debate spots after Swalwell’s departure. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond did not meet the participation criteria.

Experts suggest Steyer is reinforcing his frontrunner status, emphasizing his willingness to challenge corporate interests. Porter adopted a more aggressive approach, while Becerra presented himself as a calm and pragmatic leader.