Six Democratic candidates clashed in a high-stakes California governor debate Tuesday night at Pomona College, sharply targeting billionaire Tom Steyer’s fossil fuel investments and former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra’s policy record just days before ballots are mailed.
The debate was described as chaotic and combative, with no candidate breaking out amid frequent interruptions and rapid topic shifts. The crowded stage saw Steyer face pointed criticism over his past profits in fossil fuels despite his climate advocacy, while Becerra grappled with questions about his health policy and immigration controversies.
Steyer Confronted Over Fossil Fuel Investments
Tom Steyer, who leads among Democrats in early polls and has poured more than $132 million of his personal fortune into the race, faced sharp attacks from former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter. Porter challenged his attempt to brand himself as a climate champion, pointing to his past investments in fossil fuels.
“How about profiteers pay?” Porter demanded, as Steyer defended his record by noting he divested from fossil fuel holdings and has since pushed policies demanding polluters pay for environmental damage.
Becerra Faces Scrutiny on Health and Immigration
Xavier Becerra, the former U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, drew fire from moderate Democrat Matt Mahan, mayor of San Jose, who questioned Becerra’s mixed health care record and pressed him for details. Becerra’s contentious debate moments included a heated exchange with a moderator over his proposed emergency freeze on home insurance rates.
Becerra’s surge in polls has been fueled by digital grassroots support, but his past has also drawn criticisms, including controversial management of unaccompanied migrant children during his tenure at HHS. An investigation revealed many children were placed in dangerous labor situations—a claim Becerra dismissed as political attack, blaming other agencies.
Republicans Raise False Claims and Attack Democrats
Republican candidate Chad Bianco, Riverside County sheriff, aggressively attacked Democratic policies and made unfounded claims during the debate, including falsely stating that COVID-19 vaccines had “poisoned” millions, drawing audience groans. Bianco’s frequent criticisms of state regulations were rebutted by Democratic candidates such as Tony Thurmond, California Superintendent of Public Instruction, who condemned Bianco’s recent seizure of ballots in Riverside County.
Democrats Struggle to Stand Out as Ballots Near
The Democratic field largely failed to sharply differentiate itself on core issues including cost of living, health care, housing, and energy. Candidates avoided overt attacks on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s liberal agenda, who remains neutral in the primary.
Matt Mahan summarized frustrations with the crowded debate, stating, “They’re all wrong,” as he navigated between Republican tax cuts removing health coverage and Democrats’ expensive single-payer health care plans.
On energy policy, debate positions diverged sharply: Porter, Mahan, and Villaraigosa support keeping oil refineries operational amid rising gas prices, while Steyer pushed higher taxes on oil profits. Republican Steve Hilton, leading polls, promised to scrap many climate goals to lower gasoline costs but offered vague plans on clean energy.
Young Voters Frustrated, Looking for Clarity
Attending Pomona College politics student Kloi Ogans expressed confusion after the debate, saying she felt “more confused on who to vote for now than ever.” Voters like Ogans worry about mounting housing costs and aggressive immigration enforcement, but the sharp bickering between candidates sapped confidence and engagement.
With less than a week before ballots are sent to voters, California’s Democratic gubernatorial candidates face an uphill battle to clearly define their campaigns and capture the attention of a wary electorate amid heavy competition from two Republicans.
