Eight candidates in California’s crowded gubernatorial race squared off Tuesday night, each hunting for a breakout moment just days before ballots begin landing in mailboxes.
The contenders on the stage at Pomona College took part in an energetic, at times chaotic, 90-minute debate, with multiple moderators tagging in every 30 minutes and repeatedly warning they would cut microphones to keep order. Candidates often spoke over one another, griped about limited airtime, and struggled to stay on topic. The exchanges were notably more combative than in the previous debate, as hopefuls pressed harder to distinguish themselves and win over undecided voters.
The candidates on stage included Xavier Becerra, former Health and Human Services Secretary; former Fox host Steve Hilton; San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan; former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter; billionaire hedge fund founder Tom Steyer; Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco; California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond; and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
From left,
Join the conversation!
Please share your thoughts about this article below. We value your opinions, and would love to see you add to the discussion!