California Governor Candidates Spar Over Homelessness, Trump in Sole Debate

Rivals for California governor, Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra, engaged in a contentious hour-long debate Wednesday, their sole televised encounter before mail-in ballots begin arriving for the Nov. 3 general election. The candidates presented sharply contrasting approaches to homelessness, household costs, and taxes in the nation's most populous state.

Hilton, seeking to unseat the outgoing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, positioned himself as a change agent, criticizing years of Democratic leadership for what he described as a decline in California's business environment, education, and quality of life. "We've got to try something different," Hilton stated.

Becerra, in turn, characterized Hilton as President Donald Trump's preferred candidate, frequently mentioning the president's name and asserting, "You can hear Donald Trump" in Hilton's responses. Becerra is campaigning on bringing down household expenses and continuing to oppose Trump's policies.

A September poll by the University of California, Berkeley's Institute of Governmental Studies indicated Becerra held a significant lead. Historically, a Republican has not won a statewide election in California since 2006.

Hilton has been actively holding public events, while Becerra has maintained a lower-profile campaign. Hilton quipped, "Thank you for bringing Xavier out of hiding," referring to Becerra's less public campaign schedule.

Hilton holds Trump's endorsement, though this could be a disadvantage as the president's popularity has been waning and voters express concern over rising gas and grocery prices. Trump has a history of a strained relationship with California, having lost the state in his three presidential runs.

The candidates emerged from a primary that saw former Democratic U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell withdraw from the race, later announcing he would leave Congress amid allegations of sexual assault. Billionaire Tom Steyer also ran a costly, but unsuccessful, campaign for the Democratic nomination.

Hilton has pledged to lower gasoline prices to approximately $3 per gallon, reduce utility bills by half, and eliminate state income taxes on the first $150,000 of earnings.

Becerra, emphasizing his extensive government background, has served over 35 years in state and federal office. His experience includes roles in the U.S. House, as California's attorney general, and as former President Joe Biden's health secretary. Becerra has stated, "The governor's office is not a place with training wheels."