Seven California Gubernatorial Candidates Clash in San Francisco Debate

Seven candidates vying to become California’s next governor faced off Thursday night during a 90-minute debate in San Francisco.

The debate took place at the Julia Morgan Ballroom and was organized by CBS News California and the San Francisco Examiner.

Candidates participating included Xavier Becerra, Chad Bianco, Steve Hilton, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer and Antonio Villaraigosa.

Moderators questioned the candidates on several major issues facing the state, including housing affordability, public safety, climate policy, education, and healthcare. The event was aimed at undecided voters as mail-in ballots are already being distributed ahead of the June 2 primary election.

The debate came one day after a new poll from Emerson College Polling showed Becerra leading the field with 19 percent support. Hilton and Steyer were tied at 17 percent, followed by Bianco at 11 percent, Porter at 10 percent, Mahan at 8 percent, and Villaraigosa at 4 percent.

Under California’s primary system, the top two vote-getters regardless of party affiliation will advance to the November general election.