California Candidates Fight Over Trump

California’s race for governor moved into the spotlight Wednesday as Democratic Attorney General Xavier Becerra and Republican former Fox News host Steve Hilton faced off in a high-profile debate over the economy, immigration, artificial intelligence and President Donald Trump.

The hourlong CNN debate gave California voters a direct look at the sharp differences between the two candidates competing to replace Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.

With ballots set to reach voters soon, both candidates used the debate to define the stakes of the election.

Becerra repeatedly attempted to connect Hilton to Trump, who has endorsed the Republican candidate. Hilton, meanwhile, focused heavily on Becerra’s record in Democratic politics and his previous service as secretary of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden.

The debate underscored a broader question facing California voters: whether the state should continue largely along its current political path or pursue a different approach on taxes, affordability, immigration, technology and government regulation.

Trump Takes Center Stage in California Governor Debate

President Trump became one of the most frequently discussed figures of the night.

Hilton accused Becerra of relying too heavily on national politics instead of focusing on issues directly affecting Californians.

“All you’ve got is to talk about federal politics. All you ever say is ‘Trump, Trump, Trump,’” Hilton said during one exchange.

Becerra fired back by noting that Hilton actively sought Trump’s endorsement.

The argument reflected one of the clearest divisions between the candidates.

Becerra sought to portray Hilton as closely aligned with the Trump administration, while Hilton attempted to frame the election as a referendum on years of Democratic control in Sacramento.

That contrast became particularly noticeable during discussions about California’s economy and high cost of living.

Affordability and Taxes Become Major Flashpoints

California’s cost of living remains one of the central issues in the governor’s race.

Housing, taxes, energy prices and everyday expenses have become major concerns for many residents, and both candidates argued that their approach would produce better results.

Becerra criticized Hilton’s support for tax policies similar to those promoted by Trump, arguing that California should not simply follow the same economic approach.

Hilton countered by attacking the record of California’s Democratic leadership.

He also pointed to Becerra’s previous comments about Newsom’s handling of homelessness.

During an earlier primary debate, Becerra gave Newsom an “A” for effort on the issue. Hilton cited the remark as evidence that his opponent would be reluctant to significantly change the direction of state government.

Becerra rejected that characterization and accused Hilton of relying on political talking points rather than accurately describing his record.

The exchange highlighted what could become one of the defining themes of the campaign: whether voters see California’s problems as requiring major changes or adjustments to existing policies.

Immigration Sparks One of the Debate’s Most Heated Exchanges

Immigration produced another sharp disagreement.

Becerra criticized the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies and questioned Hilton’s support for the president’s agenda.

Hilton responded by focusing on Becerra’s record during the Biden administration.

As Health and Human Services secretary, Becerra served during a period when the federal government faced significant scrutiny over its handling of migrant children arriving at the southern border.

Hilton argued that Becerra’s federal record should be considered when evaluating his criticism of Republican immigration policies.

Becerra rejected the attack and pointed instead to his work as California attorney general, when his office challenged several immigration policies pursued by the first Trump administration.

Hilton also said he wanted to “lower the temperature” surrounding the immigration debate.

The issue remains politically significant in California, where immigration enforcement has generated intense debate among state officials, federal authorities and local communities.

California’s Hispanic Voters Could Play an Important Role

Immigration is especially important in a state with a large Hispanic population.

Hispanic residents make up a substantial share of California’s population, meaning economic conditions, immigration policy and public safety could all play major roles in determining how voters respond to the candidates.

Both campaigns are likely to continue focusing on affordability and immigration as they attempt to appeal to voters concerned about the direction of the state.

The debate showed that the candidates intend to approach those issues from very different perspectives.

Artificial Intelligence Becomes a Major Campaign Issue

Artificial intelligence also emerged as one of the most significant policy discussions of the evening.

California is home to many of the world’s largest technology companies, placing the state at the center of the rapidly expanding AI industry.

Hilton emphasized the potential economic benefits.

“The first priority with this industry is to make sure we get all those jobs here in California,” he said.

At the same time, Hilton called for an immediate pause on AI use in classrooms, arguing that schools should protect children from potential negative effects on learning.

The proposal reflects a growing debate over how artificial intelligence should be used in education.

Becerra Calls for Greater Scrutiny of AI Companies

Becerra took a more regulatory approach.

He highlighted his previous legal battles with major technology companies while serving as California attorney general and argued that state leaders must be willing to scrutinize powerful corporations.

The candidates also discussed whether AI companies should largely police themselves.

When asked about that issue, Hilton said policymakers would need to see how the industry develops.

Becerra responded by arguing that stronger government oversight could be necessary.

The exchange highlighted another major divide between the candidates: how aggressively California should regulate emerging technologies.

AI Data Centers Raise Questions About Water and Electricity

The rapid construction of data centers also became part of the debate.

Large AI facilities can require significant amounts of electricity and water, raising questions about their impact on local communities and infrastructure.

Becerra argued that communities should have substantial influence over whether new data centers are approved.

“If all you’re going to do is rob their energy, electricity, and their water, that’s not a good deal, and we should say no,” Becerra said.

However, he indicated that projects delivering jobs and infrastructure improvements could deserve consideration.

The debate over data centers is likely to become increasingly important as artificial intelligence companies expand their operations.

California Faces Major Decisions After Newsom

The next governor of California will inherit a long list of challenges.

Housing affordability, homelessness, taxation, energy costs, immigration, public safety and technology regulation are all likely to remain major political issues.

The candidates are offering noticeably different approaches.

Becerra is presenting himself as an experienced government official willing to defend parts of California’s current direction while promising his own approach to major state problems.

Hilton is attempting to position himself as an alternative to years of Democratic leadership and argues that California needs more significant change.

Newsom’s AI Policies Add Another Layer to the Race

Artificial intelligence policy is already changing rapidly in California.

Newsom recently signed a series of measures addressing AI use in workplaces, healthcare and other areas.

At the federal level, the Trump administration has also increased its attention on artificial intelligence and government technology.

That means California’s next governor could play an important role in determining how one of the world’s largest technology economies regulates AI.

The issue could affect everything from schools and employment to electricity demand, water use and consumer protection.

California Governor Race Enters Crucial Final Stretch

Wednesday’s debate offered voters one of their clearest opportunities to compare Becerra and Hilton directly.

The candidates disagreed sharply over Trump, California’s economic record, immigration enforcement, artificial intelligence and the role of government regulation.

Those disagreements are likely to remain central as the campaign moves closer to Election Day.

For California voters, the choice will ultimately come down to two competing visions for the state’s future — one emphasizing continuity with changes to existing policies, and another calling for a more significant shift in direction.