Days before California voters receive their mail-in ballots, gubernatorial candidates Xavier Becerra, a Democrat, and Steve Hilton, a Republican, will debate in a nationally televised face-off. On Sept. 30 at CNN’s Burbank studio, the two candidates hoping to succeed termed-out Gov. Gavin Newson are expected to spar over sharply divergent visions for the future of the state.
California’s next leader is expected to face pressing fiscal issues, as well as continued battle with the Trump administration. Given California’s deep Democratic tilt, there was a question whether the two men would debate. On Aug. 19, Becerra promised multiple debates with Hilton ahead of the general election.
We’ll make sure they have it, and there will be debates.” The following day, Hilton said he was skeptical of Becerra’s promise. Invitations are on the table for dates and places,” Hilton said. I don’t think he wants to do debates because he doesn’t want to debate his record.” September’s hour-long debate, taking place shortly before county elections officials begin mailing ballots to all the state’s registered voters, will be moderated by the cable network’s anchors Dana Bash and Jake Tapper.
It is the most attention a California gubernatorial contest has drawn since 2010, when “Today” show host Matt Lauer and NBC News Political Director Chuck Todd moderated nationally televised clashes. That is perhaps unsurprising given how sharply the California electorate has swung left, with no Republican winning a statewide contest since 2006. While there will not be a studio audience, the debate will air on CNN, CNN International, CNN en Español, CNN.com and related TV and mobile apps for subscribers.
Times staff writer Nicole Nixon contributed to this report.
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