Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton will face off Wednesday night in a CNN debate as the two candidates campaign to succeed term-limited California Governor Gavin Newsom. Becerra, a longtime California and federal official, enters the debate with a substantial lead in the polls, while Hilton, a former Fox News host and Silicon Valley entrepreneur, is seeking to capitalize on voter concerns about the state's high cost of living and direction. The debate comes as California voters prepare to receive their mail-in ballots and will give both candidates a national television audience for their competing visions on affordability, taxes, housing, artificial intelligence and the future of Hollywood.
The debate is scheduled for 9 p.m. PT, from CNN's Los Angeles-area studios, with CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash moderating. The latest statewide polling gives Becerra a clear advantage heading into Wednesday's debate.
A Public Policy Institute of California survey conducted September 4-10 found Becerra leading Hilton 60 to 38 percent among likely voters. The poll also found that 65 percent of likely voters consider the candidates' positions on affordability and the cost of living very important to their vote. A Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll conducted September 15-20 similarly found Becerra ahead, 58 to 33 percent, a 25-point margin.
That was an increase from Becerra's 18-point lead in the institute's August poll. Recent polls have consistently shown Becerra with a double-digit lead over Hilton, although the size of that lead has varied by survey. Wednesday's debate gives Hilton an opportunity to address voters directly as the campaign enters its final weeks.
The cost of living is expected to be one of the central issues of the debate. Hilton, 57, has built much of his campaign around promises to reduce the cost of living and roll back policies he blames for California's high prices. He has said he wants to bring gasoline prices below $3 per gallon, cut utility bills and accelerate construction of starter homes.
He has also proposed eliminating state income taxes on the first $150,000 earned by Californians. Hilton says the plan could be financed through cuts to high-speed rail, homelessness nonprofits and state government departments. Becerra, 68, has offered a different approach, including a proposal he calls "Power Hour," under which low-income households would receive up to two hours of free electricity using excess solar power generated in California.
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