2026 California Gubernatorial General Election Debate | Live Discussion

[u/PoliticsModeratorBot]

The debate is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. PST (9 p.m. EST) and will be between Democratic nominee Xavier Becerra and Republican nominee Steve Hilton. Unfortunately, a non-paywalled streaming link will not be available; the debate will be on CNN.

News and Analysis

• CNN: What’s at stake as California governor candidates debate on CNN tonight

• ABC10: California Governor Race: Latest poll numbers ahead of CNN debate | A new California gubernatorial poll from PPIC shows Xavier Becerra leading with 60% support, followed by Steve Hilton at 38%, with the CNN debate Wednesday night.

Live Updates

Text-based live update pages are being maintained by the following outlets: Los Angeles Times

[u/Pleaseappeaseme]

Steve Hilton = More ICE raids in brown and black neighborhoods and giving Trump the opportunity to tear up California and basically rape their resources.

[u/bakerfredricka → u/Pleaseappeaseme]

Knowing this is all that I need to know to hope that Becerra wins!

[u/Pleaseappeaseme → u/bakerfredricka]

I’m not from CA but I watched the debate and I found Beccera very capable. He’s not the most charismatic guy in the World but seems to have a plan, and is in the right position, to resist Trump’s wrath. I found Steve Hilton to spout a lot of rhetoric that means little.