Trending Now - California Dems Evaluate Newsom Amid Controversial Crisis

WHO:

Fox News - Democratic candidates running to replace outgoing California Governor Gavin Newsom include Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, and Xavier Becerra.

Fox News - Republican candidates include Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco.

Fox News - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is mentioned in relation to a debate with Newsom.

WHAT:

Fox News - None of the Democratic candidates gave Newsom below a "B-minus" grade on combating homelessness.

Fox News - California accounts for almost 30% of the country’s homeless population.

Fox News - California reported 161,400 people experienced homelessness on any given night in 2024.

Fox News - California has spent roughly $20 billion on homeless initiatives from 2019 to 2025.

Fox News - In 2024, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reported California’s homeless population at 161,400, which is 32% higher than the 108,400 reported in 2019.

WHERE:

Fox News - The gubernatorial debate took place at KRON Studios in San Francisco, California.

Fox News - The "poop map" referenced incidents in San Francisco.

WHEN:

Fox News - The gubernatorial primary election in California is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

Fox News - The general election is set for November 3, 2026.

Fox News - The debate occurred on April 22, 2026.

WHY:

Fox News - The Democratic candidates' reluctance to critique Newsom highlights the political dynamics within the party as he has not made an endorsement in the race.

HOW:

Fox News - Candidates graded Newsom's performance on homelessness during a debate, with grades ranging from B to A based on their assessments of his efforts.

(UPDATED April 24, 2026 01:24 UTC)

In the recent gubernatorial debate held at KRON Studios in San Francisco on Wednesday, candidates vying to replace California Governor Gavin Newsom discussed his handling of homelessness, with none giving him below a "B-minus" grade despite the state accounting for nearly 30% of the nation's homeless population. California reported 161,400 individuals experiencing homelessness on any given night in 2024, a significant increase from the 108,400 reported in 2019, and the state has invested around $20 billion in homeless initiatives from 2019 to 2025. The primary election is set for June 2nd, and the general election will follow November 3rd, as the political landscape remains influenced by Newsom's lack of endorsement in the race.