Steve Hilton delivers knockout performance in California gubernatorial debate
Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra squared off on October 2, 2026 in California’s first televised gubernatorial debate, with Hilton delivering a performance that commentators described as a knockout.
Washington Examiner columnist Joe Concha likened the exchange to a Mike Tyson bout, saying Becerra offered “no answers whatsoever” while Hilton answered with “facts” and a series of sharp one‑liners on taxes, homelessness and the state’s high water consumption. Concha added that the debate could tighten the race ahead of the November election despite Hilton’s historically low polling numbers.
During the debate, Hilton thanked the CNN moderators for “bringing Xavier out of hiding” and repeatedly questioned why California voters would continue to support a Democratic administration that, in his view, has left the state burdened with high taxes, soaring homelessness and escalating poverty rates. He also challenged Becerra on the state’s stance toward federal immigration enforcement, arguing that even under existing sanctuary laws, local authorities can cooperate with ICE to remove dangerous criminals.
Becerra countered by accusing Hilton of supporting “ICE mercenaries” and issued a personal jab, suggesting Hilton “welcomes immigrants who look like you, but deports immigrants who look like me.” The debate also featured a light‑hearted moment when Concha noted Becerra’s frequent water drinking, joking that the candidate seemed to have “drank about half the Pacific Ocean.”
On the national level, CNN’s Abby Phillip panel featured conservative commentator Scott Jennings, who framed the debate as a litmus test for a state long run by Democrats. Jennings highlighted California’s persistent challenges—high taxes, homelessness, crime and costly welfare programs for undocumented immigrants—arguing the state may be “ripe for change.” He acknowledged Hilton’s under‑dog status but said the debate could make the race more competitive in the weeks before Election Day.
Following the debate, reports emerged of federal arrests in Orange County involving illegal immigrants linked to a credit‑fraud scheme, underscoring the immigration enforcement issues raised onstage. Hilton reiterated that removing “criminal illegal immigrants” is essential for public safety, while Becerra remained silent on the recent arrests.
The next week, campaign advisers for both candidates are expected to assess the debate’s impact on voter sentiment, with polls likely to be updated as the November ballot approaches.
