Politics

Seven Candidates Clash in California Governor Debate

Did the debate crown Becerra the clear frontrunner or expose Democrats' failed one-party rule?

Published 1 day ago

Seven Candidates Clash in California Governor Debate

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Above: California gubernatorial candidates during a debate at East LA College in Los Angeles, Calif. on May 5. Image credit: Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

The Spin

Democratic narrative

Xavier Becerra is the clear frontrunner in the California governor's race, and the debate proved it, as every rival on that stage spent their time attacking him instead of making their own case. Becerra held his ground, firing back at Steyer's fossil fuel hypocrisy and redirecting to the real threat facing California — President Donald Trump. The pile-on only confirmed that Becerra is the candidate everyone else is afraid of and the one clearly best prepared to become Governor.

Bakari Sellers on X Politico

Republican narrative

California Democrats spent the debate blaming President Trump for problems that decades of one-party rule created. Trump is president everywhere, yet gas prices are $2 higher in California than the rest of the country, housing costs are the worst in the nation and the state has the highest unemployment rate. Democrat policies built this mess, and no amount of finger-pointing changes that, which is why Trump-backed Steve Hilton now polls neck and neck with Becerra.

Nick Sortor on X The Washington Examiner