Top candidates face off in the CBS California Governor’s Debate

A new CBS News poll released Monday shows the California governor’s race remains a tight contest ahead of the June 2 primary election. 

Republican Steve Hilton leads among likely voters with 16% support. He maintains a narrow cushion over Democrats Tom Steyer (15%) and Xavier Becerra (13%), with Republican Chad Bianco the choice for 10% of likely voters polled. Other candidates making their case on Tuesday include Democrats Katie Porter (9%), Matt Mahan (4%), Antonio Villaraigosa (4%) and Tony Thurmond (1%). A significant number of likely voters polled — 26% —  say they’re still undecided. 

The CBS News poll also provides insight into what voters are looking for in the gubernatorial hopefuls. Many voters say the state’s cost of living has become unmanageable, with the so-called “California Dream” feeling out of reach. Democrats polled largely are looking for candidates aligned with current state policies and opposed to those of President Trump. Republicans largely prioritize change and have a negative view of the state, with 76% saying the state’s economy is in bad condition.

Read more in the CBS News poll on the California governor’s primary.

CBS News California launched an interactive tool to help voters navigate this year’s gubernatorial race. The California Governor’s Race Candidate Guide, which is meant to complement the debate, compiled more than 20 hours of interviews with top-polling candidates to give voters the opportunity to compare each candidate’s responses side-by-side on the issues that matter most to them.

The guide features responses from the eight remaining candidates with active campaigns on more than a dozen issues, including homelessness; housing affordability; gas prices and environmental policy; immigration; healthcare for undocumented immigrants; crime and public safety funding; and California’s ongoing insurance crisis.

Throughout the debate broadcast, moderators will direct viewers to the guide to allow them to further explore the issues at their own pace.

The field of Democratic candidates in the governor’s race narrowed in recent weeks, with former state Controller Betty Yee and former Rep. Eric Swalwell ending their campaigns.

Swalwell’s departure followed sexual assault allegations made against him, which he has denied. In addition to ending his gubernatorial bid, Swalwell has also resigned from his Bay Area congressional seat.

Yee suspended her campaign after acknowledging she didn’t see a viable path forward in the race, citing low funding and recent polling.

Tuesday’s debate marks a pivotal moment for the remaining Democrats in the race to distinguish themselves in a crowded field.