Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton will debate Wednesday evening at CNN’s studios in Burbank, with the cost of living expected to be a central issue five weeks before voters choose California’s next governor.
The one-hour debate will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday and will be moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.
A Public Policy Institute of California poll conducted in early September found Becerra leading Hilton 60% to 38% among likely voters. The same poll found 52% of likely voters believed California was headed in the wrong direction.
Hilton has proposed eliminating state income taxes on the first $150,000 Californians earn. He has said he would pay for the proposal by cutting funding for high-speed rail and homelessness nonprofits and reducing state government departments’ budgets by 5%.
Becerra has proposed providing up to two hours of free electricity to low-income households using excess solar power. He has also said he would declare a state of emergency to freeze utility and insurance rates.
The candidates have also proposed changes to California’s film and television tax credit program. Hilton has called for stronger credits and faster approvals, while Becerra has proposed expanding eligible production costs and speeding up permits.
Becerra, a former U.S. secretary of health and human services and California attorney general, and Hilton, a former Fox News host, advanced from a crowded field of candidates in the June primary election. They are seeking to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is barred by term limits from seeking another term.
To qualify for the debate, candidates were required to meet California secretary of state requirements, raise, contribute or loan at least $1 million to their gubernatorial campaigns and receive at least 15% support among registered or likely voters in two polls meeting CNN’s standards, network officials said.
The Nov. 3 election will determine California’s first new governor since Newsom took office in 2019. A Republican has not been elected governor of California since Arnold Schwarzenegger won a second term in 2006.