California Governor’s Race Heats Up: Seven Candidates Clash in Final Pre-Primary Debate

Sacramento, CA — May 7, 2026 — With the June 2 primary election just weeks away, California’s governor’s race reached a fever pitch Tuesday night as seven candidates—five Democrats and two Republicans—locked horns in a high-stakes CNN debate. The event, the final televised face-off before voting begins, laid bare deep ideological divides on immigration, the legacy of incumbent Gavin Newsom, and the future of the state’s progressive policies.

The debate, held as mail-in ballots were already being cast, marked a critical moment in a race where momentum has shifted dramatically in recent weeks. Democratic Attorney General Xavier Becerra emerged as a frontrunner after former Congressman Eric Swalwell’s exit from the contest, while Republican challengers sought to define Newsom’s tenure as a failure ahead of a potential November runoff.

— ### **Key Takeaways from the Debate** #### **1. Becerra’s Surge Dominates the Race** Since Swalwell’s departure, Becerra has consolidated support among Democratic voters, with recent polls showing him in a statistical tie with Laphonza Butler, a former labor leader and Newsom ally. The debate underscored Becerra’s ability to rally progressive voters, while Republicans framed him as too closely aligned with Newsom’s policies. – **Becerra’s Strategy:** Focused on expanding healthcare access and defending abortion rights, two issues that resonate deeply with California’s diverse electorate. – **Republican Counter:** Candidates like Chad Bianco criticized Becerra for not going far enough on border security, arguing that Newsom’s policies have exacerbated immigration challenges. #### **2. Immigration: A Divisive Flashpoint** The debate devolved into sharp exchanges over immigration, with Democrats calling for systemic reform and Republicans accusing the state of enabling illegal crossings. – **Democrats’ Stance:** – **Tom Steyer** (independent Democrat) argued for abolishing ICE, stating, *“They’re deliberately breaking the law by targeting communities.”* – **Becerra** emphasized state-level solutions, including expanding legal pathways for undocumented residents. – **Republicans’ Pushback:** – **Bianco** countered, *“No one’s broken the law in California”—a jab at Democratic policies he claims have weakened federal enforcement.* – **Other GOP candidates** called for stricter state cooperation with federal authorities, a position likely to resonate with conservative suburban voters. #### **3. Newsom’s Legacy: “Bold” vs. “Failed”** Candidates were asked to rate Newsom’s governorship, revealing a partisan chasm in perceptions: | **Party** | **Assessment of Newsom** | **Key Criticisms** | |—————–|——————————-|———————————————| | **Democrats** | *“Bold,” “progressive”* | Praised climate policies, healthcare expansion | | **Republicans** | *“Failed,” “disastrous”* | Cited homelessness, crime, and border chaos | – **Newsom’s Absence:** The incumbent did not participate, allowing opponents to define his record without direct rebuttal. #### **4. The Outlier: Tony Thurmond’s Exclusion** Former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond was notably absent from the debate after failing to meet CNN’s polling threshold. His campaign has since accused the network of bias, arguing that his strong support among Black and Latino voters warrants inclusion. — ### **Who’s Ahead? Polling and Path to November** With the primary just weeks away, the race remains fluid. Key factors will determine the runoff: – **Democratic Primary:** Becerra leads in most polls but faces challenges from Butler and **Asm. Shirley Weber**, who has gained traction with her focus on criminal justice reform. – **Republican Primary:** Bianco and **state Sen. Brian Dahle** are vying for the GOP nomination, with Bianco’s hardline stance on immigration giving him an edge among base voters. – **General Election Dynamics:** If no candidate secures a majority in June, the top two will advance to November, where the candidate who unifies progressives while appealing to moderates could prevail. — ### **FAQ: What You Need to Know About California’s Governor’s Race** #### **Q: When is the primary election?** A: **June 2, 2026**—mail-in ballots are already being sent to registered voters. #### **Q: What if no one gets a majority?** A: California uses a top-two runoff system. The top two candidates, regardless of party, advance to the November general election. #### **Q: How does California’s governor’s race compare to other states?** A: Unlike many states with closed primaries, California’s is open, allowing voters to choose any candidate on the ballot—even if they’re not affiliated with that party. This could lead to unexpected outcomes, such as a Republican winning with broad Democratic support. #### **Q: What are the biggest issues driving the race?** A: **Immigration, healthcare, housing affordability, and the economy** are top concerns. Climate policy and education funding are also critical, especially in swing districts. — ### **Looking Ahead: What’s Next?** With the debate concluded, campaigns will now focus on: – **Ground Game:** Door-to-door canvassing in key battleground counties like Orange, San Diego, and the Inland Empire. – **Ad Wars:** Expect sharp attacks on Becerra’s ties to Newsom and Republican candidates’ records on fiscal responsibility. – **Third-Party Spoilers:** Independent candidates like Steyer could draw votes from either side, complicating the path to 50%. As California prepares for one of the most consequential elections in years, the June 2 primary will determine not just the next governor, but the trajectory of the nation’s most populous state. —

Sources: California State Portal, California Secretary of State, CNN Election Coverage