Gov Race Debate: Candidates Clash on Affordability

0:00On April 23rd, California's governor race exploded in its first major debate on Wednesday, with underdog swinging hard at frontrunners Steve Hilton and Tom Steyer. A fortability stole the show as candidates tackled sky-high gas taxes, housing costs, and insurance rates ahead of the June 2nd primary. The stage featured four Democrats and two Republicans, marking the biggest moment since Eric Swahwell bowed out. Poles had Hilton, a Republican, leading at 17%, Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco, close at 14%, and Democrat Steyer right, behind at 14% with Xavier Basera and Katie Porter tied at 10%. Trailing candidates didn't hold back on the attacks. Basera slammed Hilton as a former Fox News talking head with zero government experience, questioning his tax cut plans. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan hit Steyer for his hedge fund stakes in private prisons and detention centers, despite Steyer's massive self-funding over, $100 million.

1:02Hilton fired back with promises to slash the state's 61-cent gas tax in half, aiming to drop prices to $3 a gallon and make life. California again. The two Republicans mostly ignored each other, focusing fire on Democrats while predicting they'd snag the top two spots. As the jungle primary nears, the top two finishers advance to November's runoff, regardless of party lines, splitting the crowded field and keeping. Poles shift simply, I'm Cory with the story. That's your U.S. News Today update, AI-powered and always on.