San Francisco – With the race for California governor fast approaching, six candidates will face off Wednesday evening in the first debate since former Rep. Eric Swalwell dropped out of the race following sexual harassment and misconduct allegations.
The debate comes at a critical moment in the turbulent contest to replace ousted Governor Gavin Newsom. In less than two weeks, ballots will begin arriving in Californians’ mailboxes, and voters will be split among the crowded field of eight major candidates. The debate also took place after former State Comptroller Betty Yee ended her campaign due to lack of resources and support in the election.
Two Republicans — Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton — and four Democrats — billionaire Tom Steyer, former Biden administration Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Orange County Representative Katie Porter and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan — will take the stage at Nexstar’s KRON4 studios in San Francisco. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and state Supt. Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, both a Democrat, was not invited to attend due to his low polling numbers.
As candidates attempt to differentiate themselves in a crowded field, the debate could include fiery exchanges about the role of money in politics and potential attacks on Becerra, who has surged in the polls since Swalwell’s exit. Environmental issues are also likely to be raised along with the debate on Earth Day.
Wednesday night’s meeting is the first televised debate in the gubernatorial contest. from the beginning of february. last month, USC canceled a debate Hours before its launch, criticism mounted that its criteria did not include all prominent candidates of color.
The 7 p.m. debate is hosted by Nexstar and will be moderated by KTXL FOX40 anchor Nikki Lorenzo and KTLA anchor Frank Buckley. It can be seen on KRON4 (San Francisco), KTLA5 (Los Angeles), KSWB/KUSI (San Diego), KTXL (Sacramiento), KGET (Bakersfield) and KSEE (Fresno). NewsNation will also telecast this debate.
