Seven leading contenders in California's unexpectedly dramatic race for governor faced off on Tuesday night in a feisty, high-stakes debate as voters begin casting ballots in the state's nonpartisan primary.
The heightened tenor of the two-hour clash reflected how important the candidates viewed the debate, which aired on CNN to a national audience. Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host, said: 'This is a very serious moment for California. The ballots are out there in your hands, and we have a really big choice to make.'
Hilton leads a jumbled field in a contest that began to take clearer shape after former Democratic congressman Eric Swalwell withdrew amid sexual assault allegations, which he denies. Millions of voters have already received mail-in ballots ahead of the 2 June primary, leaving little time for lower-polling Democrats to break through.
Xavier Becerra, the former US health secretary who has seen a remarkable turnaround after Swalwell's exit, argued he was the most qualified candidate to address challenges such as high living costs, gas prices, homelessness, and climate preparedness. 'You have to deliver,' he said. 'And I have a proven record of delivering results.'
Hilton, endorsed by Donald Trump and a former adviser to UK PM David Cameron, faces an uphill battle in a state where Democrats hold a two-to-one advantage in voter registration. He argued the state needs 'fresh thinking after 16 years of one-party rule.' The debate also saw attacks on Trump and a focus on single-payer healthcare, with candidates pressing Becerra on his position.
