California’s race for governor reached a fever pitch on May 5, 2026, as seven contenders took the stage in Los Angeles for a nationally televised debate on CNN. The event marked a pivotal moment in a contest that’s as unpredictable as it is crowded, with candidates sparring over the state’s steep cost of living, surging gas prices, and the shadow of outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom. As mail-in ballots began to arrive in voters’ mailboxes, the debate’s sharp exchanges and personal revelations gave Californians a revealing look at those vying to lead the nation’s most populous state.
The debate, which unfolded with palpable tension, underscored just how high the stakes have become. With no clear frontrunner and more than 50 names on the ballot, the seven candidates who qualified for the CNN stage—Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco, and Democrats Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, Matt Mahan, and Antonio Villaraigosa—were all searching for a breakout moment. According to CNN, the early exchanges zeroed in on the pain Californians feel at the pump: the average gas price had soared above $6 per gallon, according to AAA, fueling frustration across the state.
Steve Hilton, the conservative commentator and former Fox News host, wasted no time making a bold promise: “I could reduce gas prices to $3 a gallon.” That claim drew a swift and incredulous retort from Democrat Matt Mahan, who shot back, “You’re lying to people.” The debate quickly devolved into a back-and-forth over blame. Several Democrats, including former state attorney general Xavier Becerra, pointed to President Donald Trump and the ongoing war in Iran as key drivers behind the spike in gas prices. Republicans countered that California’s taxes and regulations have long kept prices higher than in other states. “Donald Trump is the president in all the other states in America where the cost of living is way lower than in California,” Hilton argued, highlighting the partisan divide over economic policy.
Amid the heated exchanges, Katie Porter, the only woman on stage and a former U.S. Representative for Orange County, offered a moment of levity—and exasperation. “Boys, boys, enough with the bickering,” she interjected, earning laughter from some quarters and underscoring her attempt to distinguish herself in a field dominated by men and big personalities.
Porter’s campaign has been anything but conventional. On the very day of the debate, she released a new campaign ad that poked fun at a 2021 video—leaked last year—showing her yelling at a staffer to “get out of my f---ing shot” during a video recording. The ad, which features Porter navigating a grocery store, pumping gas, and ribbing her “grown kid who may soon be living on my couch,” uses humor and her trademark whiteboards to highlight issues like “DUMP TRUMP,” “SKY-HIGH GAS PRICES,” and “AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE.” At the ad’s close, Porter quips, “Now, could you guys please get out of my shot?” as supporters laugh in the background. According to People, Porter has apologized for the 2021 incident and has repeatedly addressed allegations of staff mistreatment throughout her political career.
During the debate, Porter didn’t shy away from her reputation for toughness. As reported by CNN, she reiterated, “I apologized years ago for berating a staffer and have taken responsibility repeatedly.” On an April 28 episode of Pod Save America, Porter said, “Nobody should make any mistakes, like I’m tough as hell and that hasn’t changed,” a nod to both her unapologetic style and the scrutiny she faces as a woman in politics. In the same podcast, she took accountability for her 2021 outburst, reflecting on the challenge of balancing passion with public expectations.
Porter’s campaign, while unconventional, has drawn notable support. She’s secured endorsements from influential unions, three sitting California congressmen, and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, her longtime mentor. Yet, despite these high-profile backers, recent polls show her trailing fellow Democrats Xavier Becerra and billionaire Tom Steyer, as well as Republicans Hilton and Bianco. The crowded field has Democrats on edge, with some worrying that their fractured base could result in two Republicans advancing to the November general election—a scenario that would be a historic blow for the party in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans two-to-one and the GOP hasn’t won statewide in two decades.
The debate also highlighted deep divisions over tax policy. Only Steyer, a hedge fund manager turned liberal activist, voiced support for a one-time tax on billionaires that’s expected to appear on the November ballot. “It’s not the only tax increase I’d seek,” Steyer said, signaling a willingness to go further. Porter, in contrast, argued that the proposed tax was too narrow to bring real change, while Mahan criticized his Democratic rivals for focusing on expanding government rather than making it work better. The exchange reflected a broader tension in the party over how best to address California’s mounting challenges: a long-running homelessness crisis, wildfire insurance shortages, projected budget shortfalls, and staggering housing costs.
Meanwhile, the Republican candidates seized on the state’s economic woes, blaming Democrats for driving up costs and driving out jobs. “We’ve seen what one-party rule has done to California,” Bianco said, echoing a refrain that’s become central to the GOP’s pitch. The debate’s testy tone made it clear that all sides see this as a critical juncture, with national attention fixed on the outcome.
As the campaign barrels toward the June 2 primary, the dynamics remain fluid. California’s unique primary system puts all candidates on a single ballot, with the top two—regardless of party—advancing to November. That’s raised the stakes for Democrats, who fear that their crowded field could split the vote and allow two Republicans to sneak through. According to AdImpact data cited by the Associated Press, Steyer has spent or booked nearly $150 million in advertising, dwarfing his competitors and raising questions about whether sheer spending can buy a spot in the runoff.
Beyond the policy debates and personal jabs, the campaign has been shaped by broader national and international events. The war in Iran, referenced repeatedly during the debate, has added volatility to gas prices and the broader economy, complicating the candidates’ efforts to offer clear solutions. President Trump’s frequent mention—sometimes as a punchline, sometimes as a scapegoat—underscored how much national politics continues to loom over California’s own future.
With just weeks until the primary concludes, the race remains wide open. Voters are weighing not just policy proposals but personalities, track records, and the candidates’ ability to navigate both local crises and national headwinds. Whether Californians will opt for a bold new direction or stick with familiar faces is anyone’s guess. But one thing’s certain: with so much at stake and the spotlight shining bright, the contest for California’s highest office is shaping up to be one for the history books.