California Gubernatorial Candidates Clash in Heated Debate Ahead of Primary Seven leading candidates for California governor debated key issues, including a proposed billionaire tax and state management, in a high-stakes showdown ahead of the June primary. Democrats and Republicans sparred over policy and temperament, with undecided voters still weighing their options. In a high-stakes gubernatorial debate held at KRON Studios in San Francisco on April 22, 2026, seven leading candidates for California governor took the stage in the first of two back-to-back debates ahead of the state’s primary election on June 2. The top two finishers, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the general election in November. The debate featured five Democratic candidates—former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer, former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa—and two Republicans: former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.With less than a month until Election Day, the candidates sought to sway undecided voters, though political analysts suggest many remain unconvinced. Sonoma State Political Science Professor David McCuan noted that voters are still evaluating which candidate aligns best with their values and decision-making processes. While the debate may not have resolved doubts for all voters, McCuan anticipates that escalating attack ads and future debates could soon shift opinions.One of the most contentious topics was a proposed one-time tax on California’s billionaires, backed by a healthcare union. Democrats were sharply divided on the issue, with Villaraigosa and Porter criticizing the tax as flawed, arguing it fails to address long-term revenue needs and could drive wealthy residents out of the state.Steyer, despite being a billionaire himself, supported the tax but argued it didn’t go far enough, a stance McCuan suggests solidifies his progressive credentials among a narrow segment of the Democratic electorate. Porter, who has faced recent setbacks in the polls following controversies involving her treatment of staff and a contentious TV interview, attempted to distinguish herself by emphasizing her temperament and thoughtfulness.She challenged her opponents, particularly the male candidates, on their behavior during the debate, framing herself as the only woman in the race capable of demonstrating composure and leadership. Meanwhile, the Republican candidates, Hilton and Bianco, focused their attacks on Democratic mismanagement of the state, though Bianco downplayed past conflicts with Hilton, acknowledging their differences while emphasizing the importance of the election.Hilton framed the race as a critical moment for California, warning against another term of one-party rule and urging voters to break from the status quo. The debate highlighted deep divisions within the Democratic field and set the stage for further clashes as the election approaches