Leading candidates to square off in TV debate at critical point in California governor's race

LOS ANGELES – The California governor's race is about to heat up considerably. Tonight, six leading candidates will face off in a crucial televised debate. With no clear frontrunner emerging from the crowded field, this debate could be the make-or-break moment for several campaigns.

Leading candidates to square off in TV debate at ...

The pressure is on. Mail-in ballots are slated to land in voters' mailboxes early next month, ahead of the June 2 primary. That means candidates have a rapidly closing window to make their case. And remember, California's unique election system dictates that only the top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the November general election. This sets the stage for some interesting potential outcomes.

For Democrats, this is a nerve-wracking situation. The big fear? A split vote among the Democratic contenders could pave the way for *two* Republicans to make it to the final ballot. This would be a massive, unprecedented setback for the party in what is typically a reliably left-leaning state. I mean, can you imagine? It's a scenario that's keeping more than a few campaign strategists up at night.

So, who are the contenders stepping into the debate arena? Representing the Republican side, we have conservative commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. On the Democratic side, former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, billionaire Tom Steyer, former Biden administration health secretary Xavier Becerra, and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan will be vying for attention.

It's worth noting that Becerra and Mahan are relatively recent additions to the debate lineup. Their inclusion follows Eric Swalwell's exit from the race, a move that's definitely reshaped the dynamics. Both Becerra and Mahan have seen increased attention and, crucially, endorsements. Becerra just snagged Rivas' endorsement, while Mahan is launching a pretty aggressive advertising campaign to boost his visibility.

Each candidate brings a unique profile to the table. Porter, famous for her viral takedowns of CEOs during congressional hearings, is looking to become the state's first female governor. Steyer, the hedge fund manager-turned-liberal activist (remember his presidential bid in 2020?), is laser-focused on climate issues. Becerra, with his extensive resume – Biden administration, state attorney general, congressman, state legislator – brings a wealth of political experience. And Mahan is campaigning hard on his efforts to tackle homelessness and crime in San Jose.

For years, Democrats have held the reins in California. The GOP, on the other hand, hasn't won a statewide election in two decades. Expect them to hammer away at familiar campaign themes tonight, blaming Sacramento's one-party rule for the state's woes. They'll likely highlight the billions spent on homelessness without tangible results, the state's high taxes and utility bills, regulations they say stifle job growth, and the crushing burden of housing costs.

Recent polling paints a picture of a wide-open race. A Public Policy Institute of California poll from late March and early April showed a tight cluster of candidates, including Steyer, Porter, Hilton, Bianco, and Swalwell (before he dropped out). The debate tonight offers these candidates, and particularly Becerra and Mahan, a crucial opportunity to break away from the pack and define themselves to voters before those ballots arrive.