Becerra takes heat in second California governor debate. Here’s what to know
Democrat Xavier Becerra faced a barrage of attacks from rivals for the second night in a row Wednesday as seven candidates debated ahead of California’s June 2 primary. Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton are leading the crowded field, according to a California Democratic Party polling released earlier this week.
Just two candidates, regardless of party, will advance to the November general election.
FULL STORY: ‘We protected kids’: Becerra on defensive — again — in California governor debate
Here are five key takeaways:
- Becerra’s record in Biden’s cabinet: Democratic rivals Antonio Villaraigosa, Matt Mahan and Tom Steyer hammered Becerra over his record as U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, citing New York Times reporting that the agency could not reach 85,000 migrant children it was supposed to be tracking under his watch. Becerra responded: “We protected kids. We did not let them be abused. Those were the employers.”
- California’s sanctuary law: Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco called for scrapping California’s sanctuary law, while Becerra and Steyer said they would prosecute ICE agents who acted unlawfully. Former Rep. Katie Porter said the law prevented “crazy cowboys taking the law into their own hands.”
- Oil production: With the war in Iran testing California’s oil supplies, Hilton, Bianco, Becerra, Mahan and Villaraigosa said they were supportive of increasing oil production in Kern County. Steyer and Porter opposed it.
- Wealth tax: Supporters of a one-time, 5% tax on billionaires say they’ve collected enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot. Only Steyer said he would vote yes if it reached the November ballot.
- High-speed rail: Candidates were asked whether they supported spending an additional $30 billion to finish a high speed rail connection between Bakersfield and Merced. Steyer, Becerra and Villaraigosa backed it. Bianco and Hilton firmly opposed it. Porter conditioned support on faster, cheaper construction, while Mahan said he would only support it with other regulatory reforms.
- Future debates? Wednesday’s debate, hosted by Los Angeles NBC and Telemundo affiliates, was the last scheduled forum with all seven leading candidates, though another event in San Francisco is currently being considered.