Becerra, Hilton clash over 'Trump, Trump, Trump' in California governor debate

This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. End of dialog window. Democratic state Attorney General Xavier Becerra and former Fox News host Steve Hilton (R) clashed on the debate stage Wednesday as they jostle in a contentious race to replace California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). The rivals sparred over the economy, immigration and healthcare in an hourlong CNN debate, the first and only scheduled just days before ballots go out to California voters. Becerra sought to tie Hilton to President Trump, who’s endorsed the London-born Republican — while Hilton hammered his opponent’s record as the Biden administration’s Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary. Becerra has the clear advantage in the deep blue state and has polled ahead of Hilton in every poll since he notched first place in California’s top two, nonpartisan primary in June. California hasn’t elected a Republican statewide in two decades, and Decision Desk HQ considers the governor’s mansion solidly Democratic — giving Hilton a 3-percent chance of turning the seat red. But the debate is the latest development in a wide-open race to replace Newsom. Here are three takeaways from the California governor’s debate: Democrats had flooded into the race, and Becerra made a somewhat surprise surge to frontrunner status after former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D) exited the governor’s race amid sexual misconduct allegations — which the now-resigned congressman denies. Hilton coalesced GOP support with the help of Trump’s endorsement, though he’s also aiming to reach Republicans frustrated by the administration. “All you’ve got is to talk about federal politics. All you ever say is ‘Trump, Trump, Trump,’” Hilton said at one point in the debate. “Your words: ‘Trump, Trump, Trump,’ because he is your supporter, you chased his endorsement,” Becerra hit back, before the rivals broke into crosstalk. Becerra used much of his airtime to pin Hilton to Trump, whose approval rating has slipped even among Republican voters in the blue state, while Hilton blasted his competitor as a status quo Democratic leader. Trump was in particular focus during the debate’s conversations around affordability and the high cost of living in California, which both candidates have made a major focus of their campaigns. “Proposing Trump tax policies, promising Trump tax cuts, believing you’re going to get better results than Trump has gotten so far to date, that is what — isn’t it the definition of insanity?” Becerra said. “You’re going to end up with Trump results if you follow Steve Hilton’s plans.” Hilton, on the other hand, pointed to a primary debate in which Becerra gave Newsom an A-grade “on effort” for his handling of homelessness, calling it a sign that the Democrat would not challenge the outgoing governor’s agenda if elected. “He wasn’t even supposed to be the candidate. He was the sixth or seventh choice. But they said it doesn’t matter as long as it’s a ‘D,’ that’ll do,” the Republican argued. “I guess it’s from your experience being a talking head on Fox News, you’re so good at that, even though they’re not factual, even [though] they have nothing to do with reality.” The candidates also clashed over immigration, with Becerra knocking the Trump administration’s crackdown as Hilton critiqued Becerra’s moves as former President Biden’s HHS secretary. “California welcomed you into California, and you welcomed ICE mercenaries into our state in return. How does that — how do you square that? You know, you’re an immigrant,” Becerra said. “You seem to welcome immigrants who look like you but deport immigrants who look like me.” Hilton argued that he “cannot believe that you’re standing there trying to make these arguments” in light of his HHS record. Becerra, who has been criticized for his department’s handling of a surge of migrant minors during his tenure in Biden’s Cabinet, called the argument “retread Trump talking points.“ The Democrat then emphasized that, as California’s top prosecutor, he took the first Trump administration to court over its attacks on migrants. Hilton also said he wanted to “lower the temperature” on immigration. California, long a target of Republican criticism, was in the spotlight last summer when protests over the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown prompted the president to direct National Guard troops into Los Angeles. Frustration over the president’s immigration agenda now appears to be a main factor, along with economic woes, driving Hispanic voters — who make up roughly 40% of the Golden State — away from Trump this cycle. Becerra and Hilton also sought to define their stances on AI as voters voice concern about the fast-developing tech and the build-out of data centers. “The first priority with this industry is to make sure we get all those jobs here in California,” Hilton said of the growing industry. Hilton also called for an “immediate pause on AI in the classroom,” arguing that the move would “protect children” against the technology’s potential to impede learning. When asked whether he agrees with Trump’s position that AI companies can self-police, Hilton said, “We’ll have to see.” Becerra snapped back, arguing that “if you listen closely, you can hear Donald Trump in that response” — contending that his rival isn’t interested in regulating the industry. The Democrat again pointed to his record suing top tech companies as attorney general as a sign voters can trust him to stand up to them. And on data centers, Becerra suggested their construction should be up to communities. “​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. But if someone wants to come in and build a data center that creates more jobs in the community, adds more energy to our grid, and it actually protects and adds more water capacity, then let’s talk,” Becerra said. The debate comes a day after Trump launched an AI-powered website for government information — and the same day Newsom signed more than a dozen bills aimed at setting rules for AI in California’s workplace, healthcare and more. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.