California Today

California Governor Debate: Rivals Target Frontrunner Becerra

16 May 2026 10:56

In the final debate before California's June 2 primary, six gubernatorial candidates targeted Democratic frontrunner Xavier Becerra. - Becerra faced attacks over his former strategist's guilty plea for campaign fund theft.

- Opponents criticized his acceptance of Chevron donations and lack of funding plans. - Republican Steve Hilton corrected Becerra's poll lead claim, noting a tie.

- All candidates except Hilton supported stricter AI chatbot regulations for children. The debate highlighted the intense competition as candidates made their final appeals to voters ahead of the primary.

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