CNN to host California gubernatorial debate ahead of November election

By Piper Hudspeth Blackburn, CNN

(CNN) — CNN will host a California gubernatorial debate later this month, just weeks before Election Day as voters in the nation’s most populous state decide who will succeed Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The one-hour debate between Democrat Xavier Becerra, who served as health and human services secretary during the Biden administration, and Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host, be held on September 30 at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT).

CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash will moderate the event, which will take place in the Los Angeles area.

To qualify for the debate, candidates had to meet the requirements outlined by the California secretary of state; raised, contributed or loaned at least $1 million for their gubernatorial campaign; and received at least 15% support among registered or likely voters in two polls conducted by polling organizations whose methodology meets CNN’s standards for reporting.

Hilton and Becerra emerged among a crowded field of contenders in the primary election in June.

The race is likely to be a challenge for Hilton, as he seeks to become a governor aligned with President Donald Trump in a state that voted against Trump by more than 20 percentage points in 2024. California hasn’t elected a Republican governor in 20 years. It was 2006 when voters gave Arnold Schwarzenegger a second term.

In an effort to sway voters, Hilton has seized on affordability issues and blamed Democratic leadership for high costs in the state. He’s also vowed to reduce bureaucracy.

Meanwhile, Becerra, who also previously served as California attorney general and a US congressman for the LA area, has emphasized his years of experience in governmental roles and argued that only someone who has managed crises could fix California’s problems.

Early voting and ballot drop-off locations for the general election on November 3 will be coming October 5, according to California Secretary of State Shirley Weber.

CNN’s Kaanita Iyer and David Wright contributed to this report.

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