In a heated final debate before the June 2 primary, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra faced intense scrutiny from both Democratic and Republican rivals.
The debate, held Thursday in San Francisco, came just hours after Becerra’s former campaign manager pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges.
Becerra, a leading Democratic candidate, was criticized for his alleged wavering support for single-payer healthcare and his handling of fraud during his tenure as California’s attorney general. He defended himself by pointing out that federal prosecutors have not accused him of any wrongdoing. “This is what happens when you take the lead in the polls and you’re ahead of everyone else,” Becerra said during the debate.
Republican candidate Steve Hilton, endorsed by President Trump, and Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer are Becerra’s closest competitors. The debate focused heavily on affordability, with candidates discussing issues like rising gas and housing costs. Steyer proposed taxing billionaires and corporations to fund healthcare and education, while Hilton advocated for increased oil production to lower energy costs.
The debate also highlighted climate change, with Democrats emphasizing the need for environmental protections, while Republicans called for more balanced policies.
As the primary approaches, Becerra’s campaign faces challenges not only from his opponents but also from the fallout of his former campaign manager’s legal troubles. The debate, co-hosted by CBS News California and the San Francisco Examiner, may have been the last chance for candidates to sway voters before ballots are cast.
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