Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton are set to clash in a televised debate on Wednesday night as they campaign to succeed California Governor Gavin Newsom. Becerra, with extensive California and federal experience, currently leads in the polls. Hilton, a former Fox News host and Silicon Valley entrepreneur, aims to address voter concerns over high living costs and the state’s trajectory.
The debate occurs as California voters begin receiving mail-in ballots, providing both candidates the chance to present their views on issues like affordability, taxes, housing, artificial intelligence, and Hollywood’s future. Scheduled for 9 p.m. ET, or 6 p.m. PT, the debate will be broadcast from CNN’s Los Angeles-area studios with anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash moderating.
Current Polls
Statewide polling indicates Becerra holds a significant lead over Hilton. A Public Policy Institute of California poll from early September shows Becerra with 60%, against Hilton’s 38% among likely voters. Affordability and cost of living stand as highly important issues for 65% of these voters. Another poll by Berkeley Institute, taken mid-September, places Becerra 25 points ahead, up from an 18-point lead during August.
These polls reflect Becerra’s consistent double-digit lead over Hilton. The upcoming debate offers Hilton a platform to appeal directly to voters.
Focus on Affordability
The debate is expected to heavily feature discussions on living costs. Hilton, 57, centers his campaign on reducing these costs, planning to lower gasoline prices below $3 per gallon, reduce utility bills, and stimulate the construction of starter homes. He proposes cutting state income taxes for the first $150,000 earned by Californians, financing it by reducing funds for high-speed rail, homelessness nonprofits, and government departments.
Becerra, 68, suggests a different strategy with a proposal dubbed “Power Hour”, offering up to two hours of free electricity for low-income families using excess solar power. He also plans to freeze utility and insurance rates through an emergency declaration and pledges to work toward universal healthcare coverage.
Affordability is a bipartisan concern; the PPIC survey found 69% of Democrats, 65% of Republicans, and 59% of independents considered candidates’ affordability positions important.
Hilton’s Critique of Democratic Leadership
Hilton frames the election as a critique of California’s Democratic leadership rather than a national Republican debate. He suggests opponents of Donald Trump can back his campaign, attributing state issues to Democratic control.
Becerra, however, refutes this by promoting his career accomplishments in Democratic politics, including his tenure as California attorney general and former Health and Human Services Secretary under President Joe Biden. Hilton emphasizes his outsider status challenging the political status quo, a key debate theme as he seeks to appeal to independents and Democrats in a state where Republicans have faced challenges in statewide elections.
Artificial Intelligence and Hollywood’s Future
AI may provoke substantial discussion. Becerra advocates for state government AI applications to enhance efficiency, along with national safety regulations. Hilton warns of inadequate regulation that might stifle technology’s benefits or neglect potential harms, especially concerning children and creative sectors.
Regarding Hollywood’s future, both candidates might address tax incentives for film and TV production. California recently expanded its tax-credit program to $750 million. Hilton considers this insufficient, advocating for bigger tax incentives, faster approvals, and a dedicated governor’s office to reduce bureaucratic delays. Becerra also supports expanding tax credits and speeding up processes, with plans to create a “California Entertainment Summit” for broader industry strategizing.
Key Debate Considerations
For Becerra, the debate is a chance to demonstrate why his record and proposals are stronger than Hilton’s. For Hilton, the national stage is an opportunity to transform concerns over California’s costs and issues into campaign support.
The debate is crucial as it takes place with the election on November 3 and mail ballots reaching voters. Despite the polls favoring Becerra, Hilton’s direct engagement with voters might influence the race’s closing weeks.
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