Los Angeles, CA…California’s governor race takes centre stage as Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton face off in the only scheduled televised debate of the 2026 campaign.

The CNN debate saw the candidates clash over President Donald Trump, homelessness, taxes, housing, gas prices, immigration and California’s high cost of living. Hilton argued that California needs a major change in direction, while Becerra repeatedly linked his opponent to Trump and his policies.

The debate comes just days before California voters begin receiving mail ballots for the November 3, 2026 general election.

Watch CNN-News18 for the latest updates from the California governor’s race and the 2026 U.S. midterms.