Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra (D) and Steve Hilton (R), an ex-Fox News host, sparred on a Los Angeles stage this week in their first and likely only debate before voters decide which candidate will replace Democrat Gavin Newsom as California’s governor. 

As the candidates debated topics ranging from cost of living to artificial intelligence (AI), the conversation grew heated, with Becerra seeking to tie his Trump-endorsed opponent to the administration’s unpopular policies. Meanwhile, Hilton took aim at Becerra’s more muted presence on the campaign trail and his leadership of the Department of Health and Human Services during the Biden Administration.

Becerra secured the Democratic nomination in the fight to succeed the term-limited Newsom after Rep. Eric Swalwell’s exit from the gubernatorial race following allegations of sexual assault shook up the race. He currently holds a wide lead over Hilton and is expected to easily win the governor’s seat in the Golden State, which has long been a Democratic stronghold. 

The two candidates agreed that measures must be taken to address California’s cost of living, which is among the highest in the nation. Hilton has proposed cutting state taxes, a measure to which Becerra expressed strong opposition, saying that would ultimately benefit wealthy Californians. 

The two men also expressed opposition to California’s one-time billionaire tax, a controversial proposal that has divided Democrats across the state. AI and the film industry emerged as points of contention during the debate as well due to the respective importance of these issues to Silicon Valley and Hollywood, which contribute billions annually to the state’s economy.

Becerra has sought to play it safe during the governor’s race in part due to his clear advantage over his opponent. While Hilton has made sweeping promises on the campaign trail, Becerra has largely avoided releasing specific policy directives. 

This approach was reflected during the debate, with Hilton offering more specific policy proposals than Becerra on issues such as housing and cost of living. Instead, the Democratic candidate seemed focused on tying Hilton to Trump at every possible opportunity, including on issues such as immigration and AI.

“You’re going to end up with Trump results if you follow Steve Hilton’s plan,” Becerra said. 

Becerra’s strategy of associating his Republican opponent with the president frustrated Hilton. “All you ever say is ‘Trump, Trump, Trump,’” Hilton said, “and that’s nothing but an insult to every Californian who is desperate for something to change in this state, and all you’re offering is more of the same.”