California Governor Race Heats Up

0:00It's April 23rd. I'm Corey with the story, and this is California News. Today, local news powered by AI. California's governor race is heating up after a lively debate in San Francisco with six top candidates. Billionaire Tom Steyer and former health secretary Xavier Basera emerged as the leading Democrats with a caught heat from rivals Katie Porter and Matt Mahan. The two Republicans, Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco, stood together and slammed Democratic policies instead. This comes right after Eric Swalwell dropped out over sexual assault claims, shaking up the poles. Steyer faced the most fire for his past investments in private prisons and oil, plus his massive fortune. Porter called him out for getting rich off polluters while hitting Basera for corporate cash and vague plans. Mahan piled on, labeling them a billionaire and a Washington insider. Researchers are just starting to pay attention with ballots dropping in under two weeks. Porter pushed her consumer advocate background as a single mom fighting for everyday folks.

1:03Basera leaned on his experience, grabbing a big endorsement from assembly speaker Robert Rivas. Steyer fired back, noting big spenders like PG and E are funding a tax against him with millions. On key issues, Democrats back more spending on rental A to fight homelessness while Republicans blamed drugs and pushed treatment. Mahan wants to pause the gas tax to help working families, but others wouldn't commit. Hilton proudly took Trump's endorsement, promising a positive tie with him to benefit the state. All eyes on the June 2nd primary, where the top two advance, no matter the party. In D. Blue, California, Dem's worry Republicans could sneak into the November runoff for the first time in 20 years.