California voters are heading towards a gubernatorial election where a robust debate on critical issues is being sidelined, according to critics. Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra holds a substantial 25-point lead over Republican Steve Hilton in the latest Public Policy Institute of California poll, a lead attributed in part to the state's strong Democratic leanings.
However, a closer examination of voter sentiment reveals potential areas of contention that are not being fully explored. A significant majority of likely voters, two-thirds, oppose the outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom's executive order to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. Furthermore, 68% of likely voters identify energy costs as a problem, with a similar proportion citing gasoline prices as a major concern. A majority of Californians, six in 10, are unwilling to pay more for renewable energy.
These positions contrast with Becerra's current stance, which aligns with the existing administration's "green" policies. He has also defended the state's gas tax, noted as the highest in the nation. Critics argue that Becerra's approach risks sidestepping a crucial discussion on these pressing issues.
This situation draws parallels to the 2014 gubernatorial race, where incumbent Jerry Brown faced Republican candidate Neel Kashkari. Brown, then seeking a fourth term, largely ignored Kashkari and limited debates, a strategy that proved successful for him as an established political figure. However, Becerra is campaigning for an open seat, leading to calls for him to engage more directly with his opponent and the electorate.
The concern is that if Becerra does not actively defend his policy positions through public debate, voters may not have the opportunity to hold him accountable for them. The push is for multiple debates to ensure that voters can make a fully informed decision. This sentiment is amplified by Becerra's own experience earlier in the year, when he was reportedly excluded from a debate stage, suggesting that he should not preclude his current opponent from similar opportunities.
Analysts also note that shifting the focus of the race to national politics, such as the unpopularity of former President Donald Trump in California, is a tactic that distracts from the four-year terms both Becerra and Hilton are seeking. The upcoming gubernatorial election is set to determine the state's leadership for the next four years.