Six leading candidates for California governor will debate Wednesday as mail ballots are sent ahead of the June 2 primary. The top-two primary system raises the stakes, with Democrats fearful that a divided field could allow two Republicans to advance. The debate features Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco and Democrats Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, Xavier Becerra and Matt Mahan. Recent exits and endorsements — notably Eric Swalwell’s withdrawal and Betty Yee’s endorsement of Steyer — have reshaped the contest.
Six Front-Runners Clash in Televised Debate as California Primary Nears
Katie Porter speaks during a gubernatorial candidate forum on Latino and immigrant communities in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Six leading contenders for California governor will meet in a televised debate on Wednesday as the June 2 primary approaches and mail ballots are set to go out early next month. With little time to gain momentum, candidates are jockeying for attention in a crowded field that has no clear frontrunner.
Tom Steyer speaks during a gubernatorial candidate forum on Latino and immigrant communities in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Top-Two Stakes
California's top-two primary system means only the two highest vote-getters—regardless of party—advance to the November general election. Democrats have warned that a split field could allow two Republicans to move on, a startling outcome in a state that has leaned reliably left for decades.
California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra speaks during a campaign event in Los Angeles, Saturday, April 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Who’s On Stage
The lineup pairs the two leading Republicans—conservative commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco—with four Democrats: former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, billionaire activist Tom Steyer, former Biden administration health secretary Xavier Becerra and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.
California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra walks down the steps after speaking at a campaign event in Los Angeles, Saturday, April 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
On live television, the 90-minute debate could become a high-energy contest of sharp questioning and pointed attacks as each candidate seeks to distinguish themselves on policy and electability.
Matt Mahan speaks during a gubernatorial candidate forum on Latino and immigrant communities in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Recent Shake-Ups
The race has shifted quickly in recent days. U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, once considered a top Democratic contender, withdrew from the gubernatorial contest and later resigned from Congress amid sexual assault allegations he denies. Former state controller Betty Yee also dropped out after trailing in polls and announced her endorsement of Tom Steyer. Meanwhile, Xavier Becerra picked up the endorsement of California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas.
Steve Hilton speaks during a gubernatorial candidate forum in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Becerra and Mahan were added to the debate roster following Swalwell's exit and have received renewed attention and fresh endorsements as the contest has been reshaped.
California gubernatorial candidate Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco walks toward the podium to speak at the California Republican Party Convention in San Diego, Saturday, April 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
What Each Candidate Brings
Katie Porter is known for her combative congressional hearings and use of a whiteboard to expose corporate practices; she could become California's first woman governor if elected. Tom Steyer is a wealthy donor and climate activist who previously ran for president. Xavier Becerra offers the most extensive public-office record among the group, having served as U.S. Health and Human Services official, California attorney general, U.S. congressman and state legislator. Matt Mahan has emphasized his record as San Jose mayor, arguing he has made gains on homelessness and public safety. Hilton and Bianco are expected to press familiar Republican critiques about taxes, costs of living, homelessness, regulation and housing affordability.
Polling And Outlook
A Public Policy Institute of California poll conducted in late March and early April showed a tight cluster of contenders—Tom Steyer, Katie Porter, Steve Hilton, Chad Bianco and Eric Swalwell—before Swalwell's withdrawal. With ballots soon arriving, the race remains fluid and competitive.
Why It Matters
California's size and political weight mean the outcome will draw national attention. The debate is one of the final major opportunities for these candidates to make an impression on a statewide audience before voters begin casting mail ballots.
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