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Becerra Holds Lead After Lone CNN Debate With Hilton

The debate left the Democrat with a steady double‑digit advantage as counties begin mailing ballots.

California gubernatorial candidates Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton, during CNN’s California Gubernatorial Debate on Wednesday, in CNN’s studio in Burbank, California.
An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Gubernatorial candidates Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton participate in the CNN California Governor Debate, Image 2 shows A crowded room of people listening and watching, including a man in a Steve Hilton for Governor hat with his hand near his chin, Image 3 shows An audience watches a televised debate between two politicians on a large screen in a room decorated with American and California flags and "Enough is Enough" banners
Voters cast their ballots at a polling location inside City Hall in San Francisco, during California's primary election on June 2.
California gubernatorial candidates Steve Hilton, left, and Xavier Becerra speak at the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials conference in Los Angeles on July 15, 2026.

Overview

  • Becerra and Hilton met in the only scheduled, one‑hour CNN debate, a high‑visibility event held Wednesday night that gave voters their main chance to compare the two before ballots go out.
  • Major outlets judged Becerra to have met his defensive goal by repeatedly tying Hilton to President Donald Trump and by fending off attacks on his record, with no clear gaffe that shifted momentum.
  • Polls from late September show Becerra ahead by roughly the high‑50s to mid‑60s versus Hilton in the low‑to‑mid‑30s, making a Republican statewide win difficult under current projections.
  • The candidates sparred over affordability, housing, taxes and AI, with Hilton offering sweeping tax cuts and lower gas proposals and Becerra proposing targeted relief such as a ‘Power Hour’ for low‑income households and an 11‑point AI plan.
  • Because California’s legislature is Democratic and ballots will be mailed soon, the contest now hinges on turnout and regional swings such as the Central Valley rather than further debate performances.