Political Breakdown
California Governor Debate Takeaways and How Gas Prices Are Shaping Swing House Races
In what may be their only debate of the season, Becerra avoided a misstep and Hilton pitched himself as the change California needs.
Viewers at Victorio's Ristorante in North Hollywood attend a watch party for the CNN debate between gubernatorial candidates Democrat Xavier Becerra, left, and Republican Steve Hilton Wednesday night, Sept. 30, 2026. (Jason Almond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton used last night’s CNN gubernatorial debate to frame the race as President Trump versus the Democratic establishment. Marisa, Guy and CNN’s Los Angeles anchor and correspondent Elex Michaelson discuss how each candidate performed and whether the debate moved the needle in a race where Becerra leads by 25 points, according to the latest Berkeley IGS poll.
Then, Marisa and Guy turn to California’s most competitive House races. How are the war in Iran and soaring gas prices playing in the few remaining swing districts after last year’s gerrymandering war?
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