Trending Now - Final Debate Highlights Becerra and Steyer's Governor Aspirations
WHO:
Newsweek - Candidates in the California governor's race include Xavier Becerra (D), Chad Bianco (R), Steve Hilton (R), Matt Mahan (D), Katie Porter (D), Tom Steyer (D), and Antonio Villaraigosa (D).
CBS News - Moderators for the debate are Ryan Yamamoto, Tom Wait, and Schuyler Hudak Prionas.
WHAT:
Los Angeles Times - Becerra faced accusations during the debate regarding his support for single-payer healthcare and his handling of healthcare and unemployment fraud while serving as California’s attorney general.
Los Angeles Times - Becerra stated, “With friends like that, who needs enemies?” in response to attacks from fellow Democrats during the debate.
Los Angeles Times - Republican voters appear to be consolidating behind Steve Hilton, who was endorsed by Trump, while Becerra and Tom Steyer are favored by Democrats.
Los Angeles Times - The debate was described as a critical moment before the June 2 primary, with candidates addressing affordability, housing, public safety, climate, education, and healthcare.
Los Angeles Times - Candidates included five Democrats and two Republicans, with Tony Thurmond failing to reach the polling threshold to qualify for the debate.
Los Angeles Times - The debate was moderated in front of nearly 200 people at the Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco’s Financial District.
Los Angeles Times - Becerra faced criticism during the debate regarding his former campaign manager's guilty plea to federal corruption charges, which occurred hours before the debate.
Los Angeles Times - Becerra stated, “This is what happens when you take the lead in the polls and you’re ahead of everyone else. They all come at you. I get it. So they have to try to beat you down. This is a great Trump tactic that’s used."
Los Angeles Times - Becerra's former campaign manager, Dana Williamson, pleaded guilty to charges alleging she and Becerra’s former top advisor illegally siphoned $225,000 from Becerra's campaign accounts.
Los Angeles Times - Steyer claimed, “I am the person who will tax the billionaires like me, and the big corporations so we can afford to make the changes” during the debate.
Los Angeles Times - Mahan criticized Steyer's plans, stating, “Tom Steyer’s structural change sounds to me more like socialism. His plans literally would double the size of state government.”
Los Angeles Times - Villaraigosa emphasized his experience, saying, “I’m the only candidate on this stage who... have challenged this party, and said, ‘Hold it, a lot of the problems that we face have come from Sacramento policies.’”
Vox - Tom Steyer has received endorsements from Our Revolution and the California Nurses Association in his campaign for California governor.
NBC News - Becerra’s gubernatorial campaign is highlighting his decades of experience while facing criticism for his tenure at the Department of Health and Human Services.
Newsweek - Polling and prediction markets indicate a tightening race after a bruising showdown ahead of the June primary.
CBS News - Following the debate, coverage on CBS News Bay Area will include analysis, fact-checks, and voter reaction until 7:30 p.m.
Newsweek - Polling and prediction markets indicate a tightening race for the California governor's position.
CBS News - A 90-minute debate is scheduled to take place among the candidates.
CBS News - The debate format will allow candidates to question each other directly.
WHERE:
CBS News - The debate will be held at the Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco, California.
CBS News - The debate will air live on CBS-owned stations in the San Francisco Bay Area (KPIX), Los Angeles (KCBS/KCAL), and Sacramento (KOVR).
WHEN:
CBS News - The debate is set to occur on a Thursday evening, less than three weeks before Election Day in 2026.
CBS News - The debate will begin at 5:30 p.m. Pacific time, with a pre-debate segment starting at 5 p.m.
WHY:
CBS News - Candidates were invited to the debate based on ballot qualification and a 1% polling threshold.
HOW:
CBS News - The debate format will feature segments addressing real-world challenges facing California voters.
CBS News - The debate will also air on KION in the Monterey Bay area.
CBS News - The debate will be streamed on CBSLA.com, CBS Bay Area, CBS Sacramento, and CBS News 24/7, as well as on YouTube channels.
(UPDATED May 16, 2026 01:29 UTC)
In a heated debate in San Francisco, candidates tackled key issues like affordability, housing, public safety, climate, education, and healthcare, with five Democrats and two Republicans participating, though Tony Thurmond did not qualify. Becerra faced criticism for his support of single-payer healthcare and his record on healthcare and unemployment fraud, responding to fellow Democrats with a sharp remark: “With friends like that, who needs enemies?” Meanwhile, Republican voters seem to be rallying around Steve Hilton, who has received Trump’s endorsement, while Becerra and Tom Steyer are gaining traction among Democrats ahead of the June 2 primary.
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(UPDATED May 15, 2026 23:16 UTC)
During a recent debate, Becerra faced criticism after his former campaign manager, Dana Williamson, pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges, which involved illegally siphoning $225,000 from his campaign accounts. In response to the attacks, Becerra remarked that being ahead in the polls often invites criticism, likening the tactics used against him to those of Trump. Meanwhile, Steyer defended his proposal to tax billionaires and big corporations for necessary changes, while Mahan countered that Steyer's plans resembled socialism and would significantly expand state government.
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(UPDATED May 15, 2026 21:19 UTC)
Tom Steyer has secured endorsements from Our Revolution and the California Nurses Association as he campaigns for governor of California. In an upcoming debate, candidates will tackle segments that focus on the real-world challenges confronting California voters. This format aims to provide a platform for discussing the pressing issues that matter most to the state's residents.
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(UPDATED May 15, 2026 19:24 UTC)
Becerra's gubernatorial campaign is emphasizing his decades of experience in public service, despite facing criticism regarding his time at the Department of Health and Human Services. The campaign aims to showcase his qualifications as he seeks to lead the state. Supporters believe his background will resonate with voters looking for a seasoned leader.
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(UPDATED May 15, 2026 17:27 UTC)
Polling and prediction markets are showing a tightening race following a heated debate ahead of the June primary. CBS News Bay Area will provide in-depth analysis, fact-checks, and voter reactions until 7:30 p.m. tonight, and viewers in the Monterey Bay area can catch the debate airing on KION.
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(UPDATED May 15, 2026 13:31 UTC)
The California governor's race is heating up with candidates including Xavier Becerra, Chad Bianco, Steve Hilton, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, and Antonio Villaraigosa, as polling shows a tightening competition. A 90-minute debate is scheduled to take place at the Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco, airing live on CBS-owned stations in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Sacramento, starting at 5:30 p.m. Pacific time, with a pre-debate segment at 5 p.m. Candidates were invited based on their ballot qualification and a 1% polling threshold, and the debate will also be streamed on various platforms, including CBSLA.com and YouTube channels.