California governor candidates clash at CNN debate over gas, immigration

Seven candidates vying to become California's next governor clashed on CNN Wednesday over $6 gas prices, immigration and taxes, trading sharp attacks as the state's wide-open race heads toward a June 2 primary.

The debate is the first California governor's race in a generation without an incumbent, as term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom cannot seek re-election. With more than 50 candidates on the ballot, Democrats fear their divided field could allow two Republicans to advance through the state's top-two primary to November.

The debate aired on CNN while mail voting was already underway, with the primary set to close June 2, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. California's top-two primary system advances the two leading vote-getters to the November general election regardless of party affiliation.

Gas prices consumed much of the early exchanges. Republican Steve Hilton, a conservative commentator, pledged to slash the state's average pump price — which has topped $6 per gallon — down to $3. Democrat Matt Mahan fired back: "You're lying to people." Hilton defended his position by pointing to costs elsewhere, saying, "Donald Trump is the president in all the other states in America where the cost of living is way lower than in California."

Former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter tried to settle the floor, saying, "Boys, boys, enough with the bickering." She also delivered a blunt verdict on the White House, declaring, "Donald Trump sucks."

Former state Attorney General Xavier Becerra repeatedly invoked the president by name, telling the audience, "Yes, I'm going to repeat Donald Trump as often as I have to because he's the real menace that we have in California." While Democrats leaned into federal contrasts, Republicans blamed Sacramento policies for the state's high housing costs, wildfire insurance shortages and a persistent homeless crisis, ABC7 reported.

Billionaire hedge fund manager and activist Tom Steyer has spent or booked nearly $150 million in advertising — the biggest outlay in the race. Republicans have not won a California statewide election in two decades, and registered Democrats outnumber Republicans roughly two-to-one statewide.

The top two finishers in the June 2 primary, regardless of party, will advance to the November general election, with more than 50 names currently on the governor's ballot.