Trump Looms Large as Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton Face Off in High-Stakes California Gubernatorial Debate

California gubernatorial candidates Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton clashed over state policies, the cost of living, artificial intelligence, and the legacy of President Donald Trump during CNN’s California Gubernatorial Debate on Wednesday at CNN’s studio in Burbank, California.

Xavier Becerra, the Democratic favorite in the race, repeatedly sought to tie his Republican opponent, Steve Hilton, to the policies of President Donald Trump. “You’re going to end up with Trump results if you follow Steve Hilton’s plan,” Becerra stated, pointing to proposed tax cuts and approaches to artificial intelligence.

Steve Hilton, the former Fox News host and British political operative, pushed back against the constant comparisons to Trump while arguing that the Democratic party, which holds full control of the state government in Sacramento, bears responsibility for making it difficult for working people to afford living in the state. “All you’re offering is more of the same backed by the same corrupt machine in Sacramento,” Hilton said.

The debate provided the only likely matchup between the two candidates before the election to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in the nation's most populous state. The candidates also debated key issues including housing prices, homelessness, natural disasters, immigration, Hollywood, and artificial intelligence.

On housing and the cost of living, Becerra criticized Hilton's proposed tax cuts as favoring the wealthy and argued that Hilton’s math does not add up. Meanwhile, Hilton challenged Becerra on his past record as state attorney general regarding affordable housing mandates.

Both candidates also addressed the booming artificial intelligence industry anchored in Silicon Valley, with Hilton calling for immediate pauses on AI in classrooms while Becerra emphasized community-based decisions for data centers and regulations.