Steve Hilton, Xavier Becerra clash in testy California governor’s race debate

California gubernatorial contenders Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton traded sharp barbs over taxes, immigration and artificial intelligence during a heated debate broadcast by CNN on Wednesday. The one-hour face-off took place shortly before mail-in ballots are delivered to registered voters ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

The televised meeting marked a critical juncture in the contest to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, who cannot seek another term due to limits on service. Polling indicates that Becerra holds a substantial lead, yet Hilton, a Republican and former television host endorsed by Donald Trump, tried to challenge that standing by alleging the Democratic nominee has disengaged from the race and presumed victory in advance.

Hilton, who previously served as a political adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron, portrayed Becerra as an entrenched Sacramento figure who secured the nomination by accident. Becerra advanced out of the primary following the collapse of former Representative Eric Swalwell's bid and subsequently defeated progressive challenger Tom Steyer. Hilton thanked the debate organizers for bringing Becerra out of hiding, arguing that the public is ready for political change.

Becerra, who led the Department of Health and Human Services under former President Joe Biden after serving in Congress, countered that his governmental experience is necessary to handle California's high living costs. He cautioned voters against selecting someone untested, remarking that the governorship does not come with training wheels. Becerra also sought to tie Hilton directly to Trump, claiming the former president's voice was audible in Hilton's perspectives on artificial intelligence oversight.

The discussion grew especially tense on the subject of immigration. Becerra, whose parents immigrated from Mexico, asserted that Hilton's policies favored individuals who resembled Hilton while aiming to remove people with backgrounds like his own. Hilton called the statement disgraceful and stated that his goal was to defuse political hostility.

The nominees also divided over Proposition 39, an initiative requiring individuals to present government-issued identification before casting in-person ballots. Hilton backed the measure, affirming his faith in California's voting procedures despite past unverified fraud claims from Trump. Becerra opposed the identification mandate, describing it as an effort aligned with Trump that would suppress participation.

The rivals found unexpected common ground on a controversial wealth tax proposal. Both Hilton and Becerra said they oppose a ballot measure that would apply a one-off 5% levy on state residents holding assets exceeding $1 billion. Becerra's rejection of the tax puts him at odds with some left-wing figures, including Senator Bernie Sanders, who plans to campaign on behalf of the measure.

Hilton faces an uphill contest in a state that has not chosen a Republican governor in two decades. While many voters express frustration with the direction of California, fewer than a quarter of likely voters view Trump's performance favorably, presenting a significant hurdle for his endorsed candidate.