California Gubernatorial Candidates Clash in San Francisco Debate

"...Steyer faced the most attacks of the night — largely centered on his wealth and the investments he made in private prisons and the oil industry as a hedge fund manager decades ago...."

"...Porter poked at Steyer’s personal fortune while also jabbing Becerra for his backing by corporate interests and a lack of policy details...."

"...And she stressed her own experience as a consumer advocate and single mom who understands the struggles of everyday Californians...."

"...In general, though, the Democrats focused more on defining their own platforms than criticizing one another — perhaps because, with ballots set to reach voters in less than two weeks, Californians seem to just be tuning in and the crowded field is still working to introduce themselves to the electorate...."

"...Becerra, who has seen the largest uptick in polling and endorsements since Swalwell’s exit, pitched his candidacy as a steady hand in the wake of the shocking scandal...."

"...Steyer parried criticisms of his career in finance by pointing to the wealthy interests opposing his campaign...."

"...Steyer has put more than $120 million of his own money into his campaign and has blanketed the state in digital and television ads...."

"...The gubernatorial candidates will appear on the ballot together in the June 2 primary...."

"...Under California’s top-two primary system, the top two finishers advance to November, regardless of party...."

"...That left Democrats concerned that two Republicans could make it into a runoff, in a state where no GOP candidate has won statewide in two decades...."

"...For months, the Democratic field has remained crowded, without a clear frontrunner, and Swalwell’s dramatic exit less than two weeks ago scrambled the race again...."

"...On Wednesday evening, the partisan divide between the frontrunners on stage was particularly evident when the conversation turned to homelessness...."

"...The four Democrats largely praised Gov. Gavin Newsom’s efforts on the issue and agreed on the need to spend more money on preventing homelessness, through programs such as rental assistance...."

"...Mahan, who entered the race late and is polling below the other candidates onstage, sought to draw a contrast with the other Democrats onstage by vowing to suspend the state gas tax — referencing his working class childhood in the farming town of Watsonville...."

"...None of the other Democratic candidates would commit to suspending the gas tax, something both Hilton and Bianco have been campaigning on...."

"...Hilton did not shy away from President Donald Trump, who’s deeply unpopular in this heavily Democratic state...."

"...Trump recently endorsed Hilton, a former Fox News host who emigrated from the United Kingdom...."

"...Hilton said, adding that Democratic attacks on Trump are only hurting the state...."

"...Hilton said, adding that Democratic attacks on Trump are only hurting the state...."

"...Hilton said, adding that Democratic attacks on Trump are only hurting the state...."

"...Hilton said, adding that Democratic attacks on Trump are only hurting the state...."

"...Hilton said, adding that Democratic attacks on Trump are only hurting the state...."

"...Hilton said, adding that Democratic attacks on Trump are only hurting the state...."

"...Hilton said, adding that Democratic attacks on Trump are only hurting the state...."

"...Hilton said, adding that Democratic attacks on Trump are only hurting the state...."

"...Hilton said, adding that Democratic attacks on Trump are only hurting the state...."

"...Hilton said, adding that Democratic attacks on Trump are only hurting the state...."

"...Hilton said, adding that Democratic attacks on Trump are only hurting the state...."

"...Hilton said, adding that Democratic attacks on Trump are only hurting the state...."

"...Hilton said, adding that Democratic attacks on Trump are only hurting the state...."

"...Hilton said, adding that Democratic attacks on Trump are only hurting the state...."

"...Hilton said, adding that Democratic attacks on Trump are only hurting the state...."

"...Hilton said, adding that Democratic attacks on Trump are only hurting the state...."

"...Hilton said, adding that Democratic attacks on Trump are only hurting the state...."

"...Hilton said, adding that Democratic attacks on Trump are only hurting the state...."

"...Hilton said, adding that Democratic attacks on Trump are only hurting the state...."

"...Hilton said, adding that Democratic attacks on Trump are only hurting the state...."