California Governor's Debate Highlights Key Policy Disputes Eight candidates vying for California’s governorship clashed during a heated debate on April 28, 2026, at Pomona College’s Bridges Auditorium. The event, hosted by CBS News affiliates, marked a pivotal moment in a crowded race that has seen former Rep. Eric Swalwell exit the contest earlier this month. The candidates, representing both major parties, focused on affordability, healthcare, and climate policy, with sharp exchanges and strategic attacks shaping the discussion. Xavier Becerra, the former Health and Human Services secretary under President Joe Biden, emerged as the leading contender, though his position was challenged by opponents from both sides. Becerra, who entered the race with rising poll numbers and fundraising support, faced direct criticism from Republican Steve Hilton and Democratic rival Matt Mahan. During the 90-minute debate, Becerra leveraged his experience in healthcare policy, criticizing former President Donald Trump’s influence on Hilton and defending his record on pandemic response and public health initiatives. When asked about the expiration of the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium subsidies, Becerra accused Trump of enabling Hilton’s policies, declaring, “The first thing we have to do is stop Steve Hilton’s daddy.” Hilton responded by asserting that Democrats “can’t do anything but blame Trump,” sparking a back-and-forth that underscored the candidates’ differing views on federal healthcare funding. Becerra also dismissed Mahan’s claim that he was “defending the status quo,” arguing that his tenure as California attorney general and HHS secretary had expanded healthcare access nationwide.#cbs_news #steve_hilton #california_governor #xavier_becerra #pomona_college
Former US Health Secretary Xavier Becerra Gains Massive Lead in California Governor's Race After Swalwell Exit Californians will vote in less than 50 days to select the next governor, with a significant shift in the race following the withdrawal of Democratic frontrunner Eric Swalwell. The former congressman, who faced sexual assault accusations, dropped out of the race this week, creating an opening for other candidates. A new poll from Inside California Politics and Emerson College Polling shows a notable realignment in voter support, with Xavier Becerra emerging as a strong contender. The survey, which included 1,000 voters, highlights the fluid nature of the race. Previously, Swalwell held 17% of support, but his exit has led to a significant shift. Becerra, the former US Health Secretary, saw a massive 15-point increase among Democrats. Political analysts suggest that Swalwell’s departure has allowed voters to reconsider their options, particularly among those seeking candidates with clearer policy positions. Melissa Michelson, a political science professor at Menlo College, noted that the poll underscores the race’s openness, stating, “This should actually be encouraging news to the entire rest of the field that they might get another look.” The poll also reveals a competitive landscape among other candidates. Republican Steve Hilton leads with 17% support, followed by Republican Chad Bianco and Democrat Tom Steyer, who are tied at 14%. Steyer, a billionaire environmentalist, remains a prominent figure on the left, while Bianco, a former state senator, has gained traction as a potential moderate. Meanwhile, Becerra’s rise has positioned him as a key player, now tied with Katie Porter at 10%, while Matt Mahan climbed to 5%. Political communications professor Dan Schnur of U.C.#eric_swalwell #chad_bianco #tom_steyer #xavier_becerra #melissa_michelson
Xavier Becerra surges in poll after Eric Swalwell drops out of California governor's race A significant shift has occurred in the California governor's race following the withdrawal of former Rep. Eric Swalwell, who had been a leading contender, due to multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. A new poll conducted by Emerson College’s Inside California Politics reveals a notable change in voter support, with Xavier Becerra emerging as the biggest beneficiary of Swalwell’s exit. The poll, released shortly after Swalwell’s withdrawal and amid President Trump’s endorsement of Republican Steve Hilton, shows Becerra’s support rising to 10%, a seven-point increase since March. This surge positions him as a key player in the race, despite remaining behind the leading Republican candidate, Hilton, who holds 17% of the vote. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco follows with 14%, while billionaire Tom Steyer, another Democratic candidate, trails at 14%. Former Rep. Katie Porter and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan each secure 10% and 5%, respectively. The poll also highlights a substantial portion of undecided voters, with 23% of respondents yet to commit to a candidate. Politics professor Sara Sadhwani of Pomona College emphasized the volatility of the race, stating that Swalwell’s exit has created a “huge vacuum” and intensified uncertainty. Zev Yaroslavsky, director of UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs, noted that Becerra’s rise is the most significant development in the survey, calling him “the biggest move” in the race. Yaroslavsky further speculated that Trump’s endorsement of Hilton could bolster the Republican’s position over time, potentially pushing Bianco’s support downward. However, he acknowledged that the race remains competitive, with over 30% of voters still undecided.#eric_swalwell #steve_hilton #chad_bianco #tom_steyer #xavier_becerra
