Gas Taxes, Homeless Crisis Dominate California Governor Debate as Primary Nears

The top two vote-getters in California’s June 2 jungle primaries will advance to the Nov. 3 general election regardless of party affiliation.

California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton said he wants to "make California golden again," on April 22, 2025. Courtesy of Steve Hilton for Governor

Six California gubernatorial candidates squared off on April 22 on a televised debate stage that at times turned into a battleground in the political proxy war between California Gov. Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump.

Two Republicans—political commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco—and four Democrats—billionaire activist Tom Steyer, former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan—ran the gamut of issues, including high gas prices, housing costs, and homelessness.