California's Democratic favorite for governor, Xavier Becerra, and his Republican opponent, Steve Hilton, faced off in a CNN debate on Wednesday night. The debate, likely their only one before the election, covered a range of issues, including the cost of living, housing prices, homelessness, and artificial intelligence. Becerra, the former secretary of Health and Human Services and state attorney general, sought to tie Hilton to Trump's policies, comparing Hilton's proposed tax cuts to those enacted by Trump.
Hilton, a former Fox News host and British political operative, attempted to distance himself from Trump while criticizing Democrats for making it difficult for working people to live in California. He argued that Democrats' control of the state's government in Sacramento has led to corruption and inefficiency. The two candidates diverged sharply on the top issue for California voters: the cost of living. Hilton pitched sweeping tax cuts, while Becerra argued that they would disproportionately benefit the wealthy and harm the state.
The debate highlighted the candidates' differing approaches to key issues. On housing, Hilton proposed capping government fees for construction at $50,000, while Becerra promised to "cut red tape" but was challenged by Hilton on his housing record as state attorney general. Becerra pointed out that he sued the city of Huntington Beach in 2019 for failing to require affordable housing. Hilton responded that Becerra's approach would not work, saying "the definition of insanity is believing that the people who put the red tape in place are somehow going to cut it."
Artificial intelligence was another topic of discussion, with both candidates grappling with its rise in California's Silicon Valley. Hilton said his priorities were to keep AI jobs in California and ensure the technology does not harm children. He reiterated his call for an "immediate pause" on AI in classrooms. Becerra tied Hilton to Trump's support for "self-policing" by the AI industry, saying Hilton's response sounded like Trump.
The debate also touched on immigration and data centers. Hilton sought to distance himself from Trump's immigration enforcement efforts, saying his goal would be to "lower the temperature" on the issue. Becerra highlighted Hilton's past praise for Trump's moves, saying Hilton as governor would enforce "Trump's laws" rather than the state's laws. On data centers, Becerra said they should be decided on a community-by-community basis, while Hilton gave a more measured response.
The candidates' campaign strategies were on display during the debate. Hilton took big swings at Becerra, criticizing his time in President Joe Biden's Cabinet and his handling of a record surge of unaccompanied migrant minors. Becerra played it safe, highlighting his achievements and experience. The debate reflected the reality of the race, with polls showing Becerra with a massive lead and Hilton trying to reach Democrats and independents.
In the end, the debate showcased the deep divisions between the two candidates on key issues facing California. While Becerra emphasized his experience and commitment to progressive values, Hilton sought to capitalize on voter frustration with the state's Democratic leadership. The outcome of the election will depend on how voters respond to these competing visions for California's future.
Key points
- Becerra tied Hilton to Trump's policies, while Hilton accused Becerra of being part of a corrupt Sacramento machine.
- The candidates disagreed on the cost of living, housing, and artificial intelligence.
- The debate reflected the reality of the race, with Becerra holding a massive lead in the polls.
