Republicans Outshine Democrats in First Major California Gubernatorial Debate
- Rex Ballard
- Apr 23
- 4 min read
Hilton and Bianco Break from Progressive Dogma
The first major televised showdown in California’s wide-open 2026 gubernatorial race took place Wednesday night, April 22, on Nexstar stations statewide, including KRON4 in the Bay Area. Six candidates :
Democrats:
Tom Steyer,
Xavier Becerra,
Katie Porter,
Matt Mahan,
Republicans
Steve Hilton,
Chad Bianco
These candidates squared off in a fast-paced 90-minute forum that covered the state’s most pressing crises: skyrocketing housing costs, the homelessness epidemic, taxes crushing working families, wildfire insurance chaos, and the failures of one-party Democratic rule in Sacramento.
Quick Take
The four liberal Democratic Party candidates largely adhered to familiar progressive talking points that have dominated Sacramento for years. The notable exception was San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who showed a refreshing willingness to break from the script on issues like reforming the gas tax to ease the burden on working families.
On the critical issue of homelessness, all four Democrat candidates gave Gov. Gavin Newsom passing grades — a stunning display of Democratic unity even as the crisis spirals out of control despite massive state spending. In sharp contrast, both Republican candidates handed Newsom failing grades (Fs). Only Hilton and Bianco had the courage to highlight the inconvenient truth: state audits show that $24 billion in homelessness spending has not been properly accounted for, with little measurable results for taxpayers or those suffering on the streets.
Both Republican candidates clearly outshone the rest of the field by outlining practical, results-oriented solutions that break from the failed progressive dogma that has plagued California for more than a decade. While Democrats defended the status quo and pivoted to attacking billionaires or blaming external forces, Hilton and Bianco focused on real accountability, ending wasteful nonprofit grift, addressing root causes like addiction and mental illness, and restoring law and order. Their proposals offered a genuine alternative to the tax-and-spend, big-government approach that has left California with the nation’s highest homelessness rate, crushing energy and gas prices, and a budget in perpetual crisis.
Key Talking Points from Each Candidate
• Tom Steyer (D): Positioned himself as the ultimate “change agent” who would make polluters pay and tax other billionaires. He defended his wealth and highlighted his nonprofit work, which has financed thousands of low-income housing units.
• Xavier Becerra (D): Emphasized his extensive executive experience in government, criticizing opponents who “never had to actually run a government.” He defended the current administration’s record and gave Newsom high marks on homelessness. Shockingly, Becerra indicated he would protect non-English-speaking Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders amid the debate over English proficiency requirements for truck drivers. He also provided very few details of the planned policy changes he would implement.
• Katie Porter (D): Launched sharp attacks on Tom Steyer’s wealth, accusing him of profiting from polluters and ICE detention centers. She pressed Becerra for the lack of specific numbers and revenue plans in his proposals and strongly pushed back against Bianco on issues of racial profiling.
• Matt Mahan (D): Distinguished himself among Democrats by calling for gas tax reform to help working families. He joined in the criticism of Steyer’s past business dealings in private prisons.
• Steve Hilton (R): Embraced his Trump endorsement and called for a constructive relationship with Washington. He stressed accountability for wasted funds on homelessness ($24B unaccounted for), outlined plans to resolve the insurance crisis, and pledged full support for Chad Bianco if Bianco advances to the November ballot.
• Chad Bianco (R): Delivered a failing grade to Newsom on homelessness and also pointed to the $24 billion in unaccounted homelessness spending, and called for the complete elimination of all gas taxes. He dismissed racial profiling concerns regarding truck driver testing as “garbage” and focused on the root causes of homelessness, such as drug addiction and mental illness. Bianco notably refused to endorse his Republican rival Steve Hilton if Hilton secures the November spot.
Key Takeaways
Steve Hilton stood out for promoting policies that will truly transform California. He also demonstrated true statesmanship and party unity by pledging his full support and endorsement to Bianco if Bianco wins a spot on the November ballot — a class act that puts California’s future ahead of personal ambition. In contrast, Bianco showed personal animus by indicating he would not endorse Hilton if Hilton gained the November spot.
Critique of the Moderators
Moderators Nikki Laurenzo of KTXL FOX40 and Frank Buckley of KTLA deserve strong commendation for running a tight, professional debate. They worked hard to keep candidates on point, refusing to let them dodge direct questions with vague platitudes or canned talking points. The pace was understandably brisk given the limited time and the overwhelming breadth of issues confronting the Golden State — yet the moderators ensured every major topic received airtime. They covered all the key issues facing California voters, from cost-of-living pain to public safety and accountability for taxpayer dollars. Many of the answers provided by candidates, particularly on complex policy details and spending outcomes, will clearly require further reporting and investigation by the media in the weeks ahead.
The debate underscored what North State voters already know: California cannot afford four more years of the same progressive policies that have driven up costs, driven out businesses, and failed the most vulnerable. With ballots mailing out in early May for the June 2 primary, the choice is becoming clearer. Republicans Hilton and Bianco offered hope and accountability. The Democrats offered more of the same.
Watch the Full Debate & Key Moments
Full broadcast (KTLA / Nexstar): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgksL8O3rcU
Alternate full feed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRNZ0kuA49k
CBS News recap clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHjahKu6gmc
Shasta Unfiltered encourages all readers to watch the debate in its entirety, form your own opinions on the candidates and their positions, and share your thoughts in our Letters to the Editor section.
Shasta Unfiltered will continue to track this race and demand real answers on the $24 billion homelessness black hole and every other Sacramento failure. Stay tuned for more hard-hitting coverage.
