Trending Now - Key California Governor Candidates Face Off in Crucial Debate
WHO:
Yahoo - Xavier Becerra, a former Cabinet secretary in President Biden’s administration, is a candidate in the California governor's race.
Yahoo - Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas endorsed Becerra alongside 14 Democratic members of the legislative body.
ABC News - Six leading candidates for California governor are participating in the debate.
WHAT:
Yahoo - Becerra has seen a boost in polls, fundraising, and endorsements following the dropout of former Rep. Eric Swalwell.
Yahoo - Becerra raised more than $1 million on ActBlue in the week ending on April 16th, 2026, making him the biggest fundraiser on the site in the nation.
Yahoo - Becerra jumped nine points in a recent poll, tying Tom Steyer at 13%.
ABC News - The candidates are eager for a breakout moment in a chaotic race that currently has no clear leader.
WHERE:
ABC News - The debate will take place in California.
WHEN:
ABC News - The debate is occurring at a critical point in the California governor's race in 2026.
WHY:
Yahoo - Rivas cited Becerra’s record defending Obamacare and young immigrants as reasons for his endorsement, stating, “We need a governor who’s ready to fight back on day one.”
ABC News - The candidates are motivated to distinguish themselves in a competitive and uncertain political landscape.
HOW:
Yahoo - Becerra's campaign reported that 97% of his recent donations were from first-time donors, indicating a new movement.
ABC News - The candidates will meet in a televised format to discuss their platforms and engage with each other.
(UPDATED April 22, 2026 09:22 UTC)
Xavier Becerra, a candidate in the California governor's race and a former Cabinet secretary in President Biden’s administration, has gained momentum following the withdrawal of former Rep. Eric Swalwell. He raised over $1 million on ActBlue in the week ending on Thursday, making him the top fundraiser on the platform, and has jumped nine points in a recent poll, now tying Tom Steyer at 13 percent. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas endorsed Becerra, highlighting his record on issues like Obamacare and young immigrants, and noted that 97 percent of Becerra's recent donations came from first-time donors, signaling a growing movement.
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(UPDATED April 22, 2026 07:24 UTC)
Six leading candidates for governor are participating in a debate in California, eager for a breakout moment in a chaotic race that currently lacks a clear leader. This debate is occurring at a critical point in the 2026 California governor's race, as the candidates aim to distinguish themselves in a competitive and uncertain political landscape. They will meet in a televised format to discuss their platforms and engage with one another.