los angeles — Seven candidates who want to become California’s next governor traded sharp attacks Tuesday in a wide-ranging debate that touched on issues ranging from gas prices to raising taxes on health care in a contest that has no clear leader.
The televised debate came at a time when mail-in voting was already underway before the vote Primary elections It was clear from the tense tone that the candidates viewed the match as a turning point, with a national audience watching as it was broadcast on CNN. Candidates are competing to replace Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who is prohibited by law from running for a third term, to lead the most populous state in the country and one of the largest economies in the world.
During the two-hour standoff, Republican Steve Helton, a conservative commentator, and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said Democrats had made life worse for California’s roughly 40 million residents during more than 15 years in the governor’s office, and that it was time for a change.
Democrats – Former State Attorney General Xavier BecerraFormer US Rep. Katie porter,Billionaire Tom SteyerSan Jose mayor died Mahan Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa tried to distinguish themselves on politics and said President Donald Trump is the biggest threat to California.
The main issue was California’s high cost of living and how it could be mitigated, highlighting deep partisan divisions. The average price of gas was more than $6 per gallon in California on Tuesday, according to AAA.
Becerra was among those who argued with Trump and War in Iran They are responsible for the rapid rise in costs at the pump. Hilton and Bianco noted that gas has long been much more expensive in California than in other states due to taxes and regulations.
But when Hilton said he could lower gas prices to $3 a gallon, Mahan responded: “You’re lying to people.”
“Donald Trump is the president in every other state in America where the cost of living is much lower than in California,” responded Hilton, who said. Trump’s endorsement.
Porter, the only woman on stage, interrupted at one point and said, “Guys, enough bickering.”
The competition unfolds as California struggles with The long-term homelessness crisis, Lack of forest fire insurance, Expected budget deficit Housing costs are out of reach for many working-class families. At the same time, voters are burdened with mounting daily bills for groceries, utilities and gas.
Democrats have often condemned Trump — who is widely unpopular in California outside his conservative base — while Republicans have said he is being used as a convenient scapegoat for the failure of Democratic leadership in the state.
“Yes, I will repeat Donald Trump whenever I have to, because he represents the real threat we face in California,” Becerra said.
“Donald Trump is bad,” Porter said bluntly.
The two candidates sparred over tax policy, with Steyer only saying he was in favor of it for once Tax on billionaires This will likely be on the ballot next November. He said it’s not the only tax increase he’s seeking. Meanwhile, Porter said the tax was too narrow and wouldn’t make a real difference. Mahan, who wants to suspend the state’s gas tax, said his fellow Democrats have focused too much on expanding government rather than making it work better. Hilton has pledged to make people’s first $100,000 income tax-free.
Away from politics, the candidates looked for opportunities to bring down their rivals. Becerra was full of questions about Federal indictment From his chief of staff and others, including a former top Newsom aide, alleging they stole campaign money from him. The indictment alleges that the scheme was designed to cover the salary of Becerra’s chief of staff while Becerra was serving as federal health secretary. Several people involved pleaded guilty.
Becerra was not implicated or charged, but Villaraigosa and Hilton used the incident to question his judgment and suggest that he may have been involved. Helton said if elected, he would push the state’s attorney general to investigate Becerra.
“If I had been involved, the U.S. Attorney would have included me in this indictment. I was not involved,” Becerra said.
Bianco faced questions about his decision Seizing more than half a million ballots in Riverside County to investigate allegations of election fraud that local officials say are unfounded. The state Supreme Court ordered the investigation to be halted.
Porter was asked about a new ad in which she jokingly refers to an embarrassing video that surfaced last year featuring the former congresswoman Loud scolding employee. Porter said it showed “I’m capable of taking responsibility.”
She added: “If the bullying and bickering between these boys wasn’t enough to raise questions about their temperament, then I would really challenge it.”
Hilton, meanwhile, declined to answer when pressed on whether Trump lost the 2020 presidential election.
California places all candidates on one ballot, and the two candidates with the most votes qualify for the general election in November, regardless of party. Democrats were concerned That their crowded field could lead to a two-Republican lead, which would be a historic disaster for the party.
The GOP has not won a statewide election in California in two decades, and registered Democrats outnumber Republicans about 2 to 1 statewide.
___
Austin reported from Sacramento, California.