California gubernatorial hopefuls contend with back-to-back debates with finish line in sight
California's gubernatorial candidates are entering a critical phase with back-to-back debates as mail-in ballots begin to be distributed for the June 2 primary. The race remains highly competitive, with Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton tied for the lead in the latest poll, while other top contenders see fluctuating support. With voter attention increasing and the pool of undecided voters shrinking, the debates offer a key opportunity for candidates to gain momentum.
- ▪Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton are tied for first place in the latest California Democratic Party poll, each with 18% support.
- ▪Mail-in ballots for the June 2 primary began distribution one day before the first debate, intensifying the race's urgency.
- ▪Five of the eight major candidates are closely clustered in the polls, making it difficult for any one to gain a decisive advantage.
- ▪The share of undecided voters has dropped from 24% in March to 14%, indicating voters are beginning to make their choices.
- ▪Becerra's rise follows the withdrawal of former Rep. Eric Swalwell, who exited the race amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The top candidates in California’s gubernatorial race will face off twice this week, starting Tuesday night, as the contest to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) enters a tightly packed phase. Tuesday’s televised debate on CNN comes just one day after voters began receiving mail-in ballots for the June 2 primary election, raising the stakes for a field in which five of the eight candidates are clustered within striking distance of one another. With early voting underway, the window to break out is shrinking rapidly.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Washington Examiner.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Washington Examiner
