Democratic incumbent Xavier Becerra and Republican challenger Steve Hilton faced off in a one-hour televised debate on Sept. 30, hosted by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. The event, held in Los Angeles, marked the only scheduled debate of the gubernatorial race as California voters prepare to receive mail-in ballots ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
Affordability crisis takes center stage
Both candidates addressed California’s high cost of living, with Hilton attributing the state’s affordability issues to Democratic policies and Becerra blaming the Trump administration. Polling data from September shows Becerra leading Hilton by significant margins, with the Real Clear Politics average at 56.8% to 35% and a Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll at 58% to 33%.
Key policy disputes emerge
The debate covered housing, homelessness, gas prices, jobs, immigration, AI data centers, vaccines, and climate change. Hilton, a former Fox News host, framed his campaign around reducing costs and rolling back regulations, while Becerra, a former U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, defended his record and criticized Trump-era policies. Both candidates advanced to the Nov. 3 election after securing the top two spots in California’s jungle primary on June 2.
Hilton’s reformist pitch vs. Becerra’s incumbency advantage
Hilton, 57, positioned himself as an outsider advocating for deep-reaching reforms, including proposals to build new cities to address housing shortages. Becerra, 68, emphasized his experience in state and federal government, portraying himself as the steady choice in a heavily Democratic-leaning state where Republicans have not won a statewide election since 2006. Trump’s endorsement of Hilton was noted, though analysts suggest it may not significantly boost his standing amid declining presidential popularity in California.
Polling trends and voter priorities
A Public Policy Institute of California survey found that 65% of likely voters consider affordability and cost of living very important in their decision. Recent polls consistently show Becerra with a double-digit lead, though the margin has fluctuated. The debate provided Hilton an opportunity to narrow the gap before mail ballots begin arriving in early October.
Background: The candidates’ paths to the debate
Becerra, California’s former attorney general, served in the Obama administration as HHS secretary under Gavin Newsom’s first term. Hilton, a British-born entrepreneur and former Fox News personality, launched his campaign with a populist platform centered on affordability and regulatory reform. The race to replace Newsom, who is term-limited, has drawn national attention amid broader debates about California’s economic direction.