The Race to Succeed Newsom: California Governor Debate Rundown

Updated on: May 12, 2026

The Race to Succeed Newsom: California Governor Debate Rundown

Stay updated with the 2026 California gubernatorial debate schedule as candidates battle for the state’s leadership.

As the June 2 primary draws closer, the battle to lead the nation’s most populous state is intensifying. With over 60 candidates vying to replace the term-limited Gavin Newsom, the stage is set for a high-stakes finish.

The campaign reached a fever pitch during the first major televised debate on April 22 in San Francisco, where the top six contenders squared off.

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Debate Highlights: Where They Stand

The San Francisco stage saw Xavier Becerra, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, and Tom Steyer (Democrats) face off against Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco (Republicans).

The “Newsom Legacy”: Republican challengers attacked the current administration’s record, particularly on the “F” grade they assigned to the state’s homelessness response.
Affordability Crisis: Beyond housing, the debate pivoted sharply toward the soaring cost of living, focusing on home insurance premiums and gas taxes.
Strategic Shifts: Following Eric Swalwell’s recent exit from the race, Xavier Becerra has seen a notable bump in momentum, consolidating more of the Democratic base.

Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Debates

Voters have two more major opportunities to see the candidates side-by-side before heading to the polls:

Date	Venue	What to Expect
Tuesday, April 28	Pomona College	A massive nine-candidate field including Antonio Villaraigosa and Tony Thurmond.
Tuesday, May 5	CNN Primetime	A two-hour deep dive moderated by Elex Michaelson and Kaitlan Collins.

The Top-Two Tally

California’s unique primary system means the top two finishers—regardless of party—move to November. With 23% of voters still undecided, the field is incredibly tight:

The GOP Split: Steve Hilton (17%) and Chad Bianco (14%) are currently leading the pack, benefiting from a consolidated Republican block.
The Democratic Pack: Tom Steyer (14%), Xavier Becerra (10%), and Katie Porter (10%) are in a dead heat for that second runoff spot.

With the margin of error greater than the gap between several candidates, these final debates will likely decide who makes the cut for the general election.

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