Steve Hilton, Xavier Becerra clash in testy California governor’s race debate

California's race for governor turned combative in a debate between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton, held just days before mail ballots start going out in the heavily Democratic state. The two sparred over taxes, immigration and the regulation of artificial intelligence. The event may be their only face-off before the November 3 general election, and recent polls show Becerra with a significant lead, according to The Guardian.

Hilton, 57, who once hosted a show on Fox News and has Donald Trump's endorsement, cast his opponent as a candidate who had not been out campaigning and who takes voters for granted. Becerra, 68, a onetime congressman and Biden-era health secretary, stressed his experience, promised to address the high cost of living and accused Hilton of loyalty to Trump over California. Both men said they oppose a proposed one-time 5% tax on residents worth more than $1bn, but they split on Proposition 39, which would require ID to vote in person. Hilton backs it, while Becerra opposes it.

The discussion of immigration grew heated after Becerra, whose parents emigrated from Mexico, suggested Hilton favored welcoming immigrants who resemble him while deporting those who resemble Becerra. Hilton called the remark disgraceful.

Summarized by PolitiKool from The Guardian’s reporting. Read the full story at The Guardian →