California 2026 Governor Candidates Debate Cost of Living, Immigration

Candidates for California's 2026 gubernatorial primary debated sharply over the state's soaring cost of living, immigration policies and relations with the Trump administration during a two-hour CNN forum Tuesday evening at East Los Angeles College in Monterey Park.

Moderated by anchors Elex Michaelson and Kaitlan Collins, the event featured seven contenders who met qualification thresholds including at least 3 percent support in polls and raising or contributing $1 million to their campaigns. Republicans Steve Hilton, a podcaster and former television host, and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco squared off against Democrats Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Health and Human Services secretary and state attorney general; Matt Mahan, San Jose mayor; Katie Porter, former congresswoman; Tom Steyer, billionaire financier; and Antonio Villaraigosa, former Los Angeles mayor and Assembly speaker. California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond did not participate.

The discussion opened on affordability, with candidates blaming a mix of state regulations, housing shortages and corporate influences. Steyer highlighted housing, healthcare and high utility and gas prices. "The...