Top California governor candidates debate in San Francisco as field narrows

Six of the top-polling candidates in California’s race for governor faced off at a debate in San Francisco Wednesday night.

This marked the first debate since former East Bay Congressman Eric Swalwell dropped out of the race for governor and resigned from his seat. Despite Swalwell’s exit as well as the departure of Betty Yee from the race, no clear Democratic frontrunner has emerged.

The debate was hosted by Nexstar/KRON in San Francisco.

The candidates at this debate included four Democrats: former Congresswoman Katie Porter, former California State Attorney General Xavier Beccera, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer. The two Republicans at this debate included former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.

All candidates are trying to make an impression ahead of the June 2 primary. Ballots will be mailed out to California voters in early May.

Political analyst Larry Gerston examines the first California governor’s race debate since Eric Swalwell dropped out, hosted by Nexstar/KRON in San Francisco.