SW Newsmagazine (@swnewsmag.bsky.social)

California’s High Stakes Gubernatorial Debate What to Watch Tonight. California’s gubernatorial race reaches a pivotal moment tonight as six leading candidates face off in a high-stakes primary debate following Eric Swalwell’s exit from the race. With no clear frontrunner and a large share of…

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California’s Governor’s Race Heats Up in Tonight’s High-Stakes Debate California’s gubernatorial race reaches a pivotal moment tonight as six leading candidates face off in a high-stakes primary debate following Eric Swalwell’s exit from the race. With no clear frontrunner and a large share of undecided voters, the contest has tightened significantly heading into the debate. The field includes four Democrats and two Republicans, each highlighting sharply different approaches to affordability, public safety, and governance. Xavier Becerra has recently gained momentum after Swalwell’s departure, while Tom Steyer leads in total fundraising with more than $122 million, most of it self-funded. Katie Porter leans on small-donor support, Matt Mahan brings Silicon Valley backing, and Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco focus on cost-of-living concerns tied to state policy. The debate begins at 7:00 PM Pacific Time and is expected to play a key role in shaping the next phase of the race. https://www.scopeweekly.com/2026/04/californias-high-stakes-gubernatorial-debate-what-to-watch-tonight/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social