The seven candidates for California governor moved aggressively during CNN’s primary debate Tuesday night to distinguish themselves with just under a month left in the race and some voters already receiving ballots.
With increasing urgency to shake up a long-unsettled contest, many of the people on stage declared themselves the “only candidate” to carry certain distinctions. They picked fresh fights with each other – and in particular, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra – after prior debates that were more civil.
“I can’t believe that on a stage with 30 minutes of interrupting and bickering and name-calling and shouting and disrespect … that anyone wants to talk about my temperament,” said Democratic former Rep. Katie Porter at one point, alluding to the scrutiny she has faced over videos of her berating staff and a journalist.
The debate featured two Republicans — Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and Trump-backed conservative commentator Steve Hilton — and five Democrats: Porter, Becerra, billionaire investor Tom Steyer, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Democrats are dominant in California, but the top two vote-getters regardless of party will advance in the June 2 nonpartisan primary. That’s forced Democrats to mix it up not just with each other, but also with the Republicans as they try to stand out and make the November ballot.
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