California Governor's Race

California billionaire tax fight is becoming a November ballot proxy war after SEIU qualified a 5% net-worth measure and Silicon Valley’s early counteroffensive fizzled. The Becerra-Hilton governor matchup remains the campaign backdrop, but the money fight may define the air war. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Steve Hilton advances in California governor's race, to face Xavier ... — LiveNOW from FOX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E7qu1w4FG0 2. Inside Silicon Valley's Chaotic Fight Against California's Billionaire Tax | LavX News | LavX News — LavX News https://news.lavx.hu/article/inside-silicon-valley-s-chaotic-fight-against-california-s-billionaire-tax 3. California governor's debate hosted by CBS News California and the San Francisco Examiner — KPIX | CBS News Bay Area https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_LHkpd7PcM Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California governor race tracking now centers on money, polling and message discipline after the top-two primary produced a Becerra-Hilton November matchup. Campaign-finance dashboards, debate footage and candidate interviews show affordability, homelessness, immigration and business costs defining the general-election terrain. In this episode: Top stories: 1. California Governor 2026 — Money & Polling Tracker | CA Gov Tracker — CA Gov Tracker https://cagovtracker.com 2. Step Back: California’s governor primary puts every candidate on the same ballot instead of holding separate party primaries — so what exactly is the “top two” system doing here, and how does it change the way Democrats, Republicans, and independents campaign for November? 3. Last governor's debate before California's primary | KTVU — NBCLA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_s13zJ4uPp8 4. California Governor Race: Meet the 2026 Leading Candidates — ABC10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thljWUw3f10 Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California governor race spending records show primary money flooded around Steyer, Becerra, Hilton and others, while post-primary analysis asks whether saturation ads can still beat party structure and name ID in a state this vast. In this episode: Top stories: 1. June 2026 Primary Election | FPPC — Fair Political Practices Commission https://www.fppc.ca.gov/search-filings/top-10-contributors-list/june-2026-primary-election 2. New poll shows Steyer edging Hilton in CA governor's race as battle for 2nd tightens — ABC7 News Bay Area https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ksza2XrSG0 3. Step Back: California’s governor’s race is seeing huge spending and rich candidates, but for most voters it just looks like a blizzard of ads and mailers — in a state this big, what does campaign money actually buy, and where does it stop mattering? — CalMatters 4. Governor Candidate Statements | Official Voter Information Guide — California Secretary of State https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/candidates/governor-candidate-statements.htm 5. [PDF] Certified List of Candidates for the June 2, 2026, Primary Election https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/statewide-elections/2026-primary/cert-list-candidates.pdf Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California governor race shifts into a Becerra-Hilton general election, with Steve Hilton pitching tax cuts and deregulation while Tom Steyer’s $216 million ad blitz becomes a cautionary tale about money’s limits. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Ex-UK political aide Steve Hilton pledges 'common sense' overhaul if elected California governor - BBC News — BBC News https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd95x25e2nqo 2. Opinion | Becerra will be workhorse governor, not a show horse — CalMatters https://calmatters.org/commentary/2026/06/becerra-next-governor-workhorse-california/ 3. Step Back: When candidates for California governor promise a “common sense overhaul” or a steady workhorse agenda, how much power does the governor actually have to change things like housing, taxes, schools, or public safety — and where do the Legislature, courts, ballot measures, and local governments box them in? — CalMatters 4. Ad nauseam: How message fatigue tanked Tom Steyer's $216-million campaign — Yahoo News https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/why-tom-steyers-216-million-100000352.html Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra are set for California’s November governor race after Hilton edged Tom Steyer despite Steyer’s record spending, turning the contest into a classic red-vs-blue test over affordability, housing and Trump-era politics. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Election update: Republican Steve Hilton to face Becerra in November — CalMatters https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/06/california-governor-primary-hilton-advances/ 2. California Governor Race Results | | sfexaminer.com — San Francisco Examiner https://www.sfexaminer.com/hilton-beats-steyer-to-win-second-spot-in-california-governor-race/article_9eac5313-ec8d-5512-9c76-3995243c13a0.html 3. California YIMBY Endorses Xavier Becerra for Governor - California YIMBY — California YIMBY https://cayimby.org/news-events/california-yimby-endorses-xavier-becerra-for-governor/ 4. Hilton’s California Primary Success Is Really a Becerra Win — New York Magazine https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/hiltons-california-primary-success-is-really-a-becerra-win.html Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California governor race: Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris moved to unite Democrats behind Xavier Becerra after Steve Hilton secured the runoff spot, while Tom Steyer’s $200 million bid collapsed and Trump-fueled fraud claims targeted the slow count. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Newsom Rallies Democrats Behind Becerra After Hilton Secures Runoff Spot — TheWrap https://www.thewrap.com/media-platforms/politics/gavin-newsom-officially-endorses-xavier-becerra-ca-governors-race/ 2. Step Back: When Gavin Newsom endorses Xavier Becerra and Democrats say they’re “rallying” around him, what does that actually buy a candidate in California — money, field operation, voter cues — and where are the limits of a sitting governor’s influence? 3. Californians didn’t buy billionaire Tom Steyer’s ‘class traitor’ message — Yahoo News https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/californians-didn-t-buy-billionaire-001653512.html 4. Egged on by Trump, right-wing ecosystem makes baseless claims of California voter fraud — CalMatters https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/egged-trump-wing-ecosystem-makes-185152979.html 5. CA governor race results: How San Diego County voted in the primary — FOX 5 San Diego https://fox5sandiego.com/election/california-governor-race-results-san-diego-county/ Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California governor race results keep Xavier Becerra in front, but Steve Hilton and Tom Steyer are still battling for the second November slot as slow ballot counting fuels political attacks and Democratic anxiety. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Becerra maintains lead, gap narrows between 2nd and 3rd in CA governor's race - ABC7 Los Angeles — ABC7 Los Angeles https://abc7.com/live-updates/california-primary-election-2026-voters-decide-key-races-governor-los-angeles-mayor-congressional-districts/19213908/entry/19259568/ 2. Ex-Cameron aide and California governor hopeful hits out at election ‘shambles’ | The Standard — Evening Standard https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/steve-hilton-california-republican-democrat-fox-news-b1285302.html 3. Step Back: When candidates complain that California’s vote count is a “shambles,” what is actually happening behind the scenes — why can results take so long, and where are the real safeguards or weak spots? 4. The Real California Lesson: The Democratic Party Has No Actual Leaders | The New Republic — The New Republic https://newrepublic.com/article/211469/california-lesson-democratic-party-leaders Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California governor’s race remains in ballot-counting limbo after the June 2 primary, with Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton leading and Tom Steyer still chasing. The delayed count is testing voter patience, Trump’s fraud claims, and the top-two system’s promise. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Latest on California governor election as public awaits results - Yahoo News Canada — Yahoo News Canada https://ca.news.yahoo.com/latest-california-governor-election-public-100700262.html 2. Step Back: Becerra could become California’s first elected Latino governor in a state that’s nearly 40% Latino — why has that taken so long, and what would make that milestone politically meaningful beyond the headline? — KQED 3. Calmatters: The Top-Two Primary Was Supposed To Change California Politics. Did It Flop? — SF Gate https://www.sfgate.com/news/bayarea/article/calmatters-the-top-two-primary-was-supposed-to-22292387.php Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

Xavier Becerra is projected to advance in California’s 2026 governor race, with Steve Hilton still leading the count and Tom Steyer trailing; PPIC’s survey helps explain Becerra’s late surge after Eric Swalwell exited. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Latest PPIC Statewide Survey Sheds Light on Voter Preferences - Public Policy Institute of California — Public Policy Institute of California https://www.ppic.org/blog/latest-ppic-statewide-survey-sheds-light-on-voter-preferences/ 2. Step Back: California’s governor’s race can send any two candidates to November, even two from the same party — so what was the top-two primary supposed to fix, and has it actually changed who can win statewide here? 3. Becerra Advances in California's $300 Million Race for Governor — Bloomberg Law https://news.bgov.com/california-brief/becerra-advances-in-californias-300-million-race-for-governor 4. What it would take to speed up California's ballot-counting process — San Francisco Chronicle https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/california-ballot-counting-22290056.php 5. Real-Time Election Results: CA Governor's Primary Election 2026 | Across California, CA Patch — Patch https://patch.com/california/across-ca/real-time-election-results-ca-governors-primary-election-2026 Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California governor primary returns put Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton on track for November, with Tom Steyer’s record self-funded blitz lagging and analysts reading a win for party regulars over money and novelty. In this episode: Top stories: 1. 5 things to know about California's election results - CalMatters — CalMatters https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/06/primary-election-5-things-to-know/ 2. Barabak: Youth, money, gender and other takeaways from California's crazy gubernatorial primary - AOL — The Los Angeles Times https://www.aol.com/news/barabak-youth-money-gender-other-163644696.html 3. Step Back: When headlines say record-setting “outside money” is pouring into California’s governor’s race, what does that actually mean — who’s allowed to spend it, what can they spend it on, and how much control do the candidates really have over it? 4. Democrat and Republican go head-to-head in California governor race | Elections News | Al Jazeera — Al Jazeera https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/6/3/democrat-and-republican-go-head-to-head-in-california-governor-race 5. California governor’s primary pitted experience against promises of change - al.com — AL.com https://www.al.com/news/2026/06/california-governors-primary-pitted-experience-against-promises-of-change.html Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California governor primary returns put Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton ahead, with Tom Steyer trailing after record outside spending and a late scramble over who reaches November. In this episode: Top stories: 1. California election result: Becerra, Hilton lead in governor's race — CalMatters https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/06/primary-election-california-governor/ 2. Follow the money: Who’s backing California’s next governor — and why | State | smdailyjournal.com — San Mateo Daily Journal https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/state/follow-the-money-who-s-backing-california-s-next-governor-and-why/article_ebba4cf6-02f3-4a12-9242-3406fad72879.html 3. Steve Hilton's California Primary Chances After Trump Backing - Newsweek — Newsweek https://www.newsweek.com/steve-hilton-chances-california-primary-trump-endorsement-12020220 4. The ‘WTF’ primary for California governor is (finally) coming to a close — SF Standard https://sfstandard.com/2026/06/02/wtf-primary-california-governor-coming-close-s-watch/ 5. Race for CA governor most expensive on record - ABC7 Los Angeles — ABC7 Los Angeles https://abc7.com/live-updates/california-primary-election-2026-voters-decide-key-races-governor-los-angeles-mayor-congressional-districts/19213908/entry/19221306/ Got 60 seconds? Tell us what you think and help shape the show: https://www.lanternpodcasts.com/topfive/feedback?show=california-governors-race Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California governor primary voters face a top-two cliffhanger as Xavier Becerra leads, Tom Steyer and Steve Hilton trade second place, and late money from Kalshi and Silicon Valley sharpens questions about influence before November. In this episode: Top stories: 1. California Governor's Race: New poll shows Tom Steyer edging Hilton in as battle for 2nd tightens - ABC30 Fresno — ABC30 Fresno https://abc30.com/post/california-governors-race-new-poll-shows-tom-steyer-edging-hilton-battle-2nd-tightens/19207787/ 2. Becerra is winning on Kalshi. They also bet on his campaign. - CalMatters — CalMatters https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/06/kalshi-becerra-prediction-governor/ 3. Pres. Trump endorses Steve Hilton in California governor’s race | WNIS — WNIS https://www.wnis.com/news/pres-trump-endorses-steve-hilton-in-california-governors-race/ 4. Tech billionaires are spending unprecedented sums in California races. Experts say it’s the tip of the iceberg | Richard Hartley — Richard Hartley http://www.richardhartley.com/2026/06/tech-billionaires-are-spending-unprecedented-sums-in-california-races-experts-say-its-the-tip-of-the-iceberg/ 5. Who will replace Newsom? What to know about California’s primary elections | US Midterm Elections 2026 News | Al Jazeera — Al Jazeera https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/6/1/who-will-replace-newsom-what-to-know-about-californias-primary-elections Got 60 seconds? Tell us what you think and help shape the show: https://www.lanternpodcasts.com/topfive/feedback?show=california-governors-race Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California governor primary polling now shows Xavier Becerra ahead, with Steve Hilton and Tom Steyer battling for the second November slot as the top-two system turns Democratic consolidation, Trump’s endorsement and Steyer’s spending into the final pre-election stakes. In this episode: Top stories: 1. California governor's race tightens as primary day approaches | KTVU FOX 2 — KTVU FOX 2 https://www.ktvu.com/news/california-governors-race-tightens-primary-day-approaches.amp 2. California Governor's Race: New poll shows Tom Steyer edging Hilton in as battle for 2nd tightens - ABC7 Los Angeles — ABC7 Los Angeles https://abc7.com/post/california-governors-race-new-poll-shows-tom-steyer-edging-hilton-battle-2nd-tightens/19207787/ 3. Here are the top candidates for California governor in Tuesday's primary — Connecticut Post https://www.ctpost.com/news/politics/article/here-are-the-top-candidates-for-california-22284471.php 4. Steyer’s donations to progressives questioned in California race — San Francisco Chronicle https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/joegarofoli/article/steyer-s-donations-progressives-questioned-22279358.php 5. Tom Steyer Vows to Challenge Corporate Power and Protect Workers from AI at KQED Town Hall | KQED — KQED https://www.kqed.org/news/12085540/tom-steyer-vows-to-challenge-corporate-power-and-protect-workers-from-ai-at-kqed-town-hall Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California governor primary voters now have the official candidate list and ballot statements, while Trump’s endorsement of Steve Hilton and new polling math sharpen the top-two stakes as Democrats split across a crowded field. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Governor Candidate Statements | Official Voter Information Guide — California Secretary of State https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/candidates/governor-candidate-statements.htm 2. Certified List of Candidates for the June 2, 2026, Primary Election https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/statewide-elections/2026-primary/cert-list-candidates.pdf 3. What Trump’s endorsement means for California’s governor race — ABC10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVhM5nIv-to 4. California 2026 Governor Election - Primary Polling Average — Race to the WH — Race to the WH https://www.racetothewh.com/governor/california26 5. Endorsements | Katie Porter for Governor https://katieporter.com/endorsements Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California governor race turnout is lagging before the June 2 primary, while candidates fight over affordability: single-payer without a funding plan, gas-price fixes, and Tom Steyer’s closing attack on corporate power. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Early ballot returns lag as governor’s race fails to energize voters – Los Angeles Wave Newspaper Group — Los Angeles Wave Newspaper Group https://wavepublication.com/early-ballot-returns-lag-as-governors-race-fails-to-energize-voters/ 2. In California Governor Race, Single-Payer Is a Litmus Test. There’s Still No Way To Pay for It. • Sacramento News & Review — Sacramento News & Review https://sacramento.newsreview.com/2026/05/27/in-california-governor-race-single-payer-is-a-litmus-test-theres-still-no-way-to-pay-for-it-2/ 3. California gas prices surge as governor candidates pitch competing plans to cut costs — Bakersfield Now https://bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/california-gas-prices-surge-as-governor-candidates-pitch-competing-plans-to-cut-costs 4. Tom Steyer’s Closing Pitch at KQED Takes on Affordability Crisis, Corporate ‘Enemies’ — KQED https://www.kqed.org/news/12084744/tom-steyers-closing-pitch-at-kqed-takes-on-affordability-crisis-corporate-enemies Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California governor race voting is down to its final week with Xavier Becerra, Steve Hilton and Tom Steyer leading polls, while Steyer’s record ad spending and fight with PG&E sharpen the stakes before the top-two primary. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Last-minute voter guide for California governor election - CalMatters — CalMatters https://calmatters.org/politics/elections/2026/05/last-minute-governor-voter-guide/ 2. PG&E goes after gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer. He welcomes the fight - AOL — AOL https://www.aol.com/news/pg-e-goes-gubernatorial-candidate-100000378.html 3. From the desk of…Hilton and Becerra lead in new California governor poll. Steyer trails but isn’t out – The Ukiah Daily Journal — Ukiah Daily Journal https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/05/26/from-the-desk-of-hilton-and-becerra-lead-in-new-california-governor-poll-steyer-trails-but-isnt-out/ 4. Billionaire Tom Steyer's ad spending breaks records in California governor's race - ABC News — ABC News https://abcnews.com/Politics/wireStory/billionaire-tom-steyers-ad-spending-breaks-records-california-133336371 5. In California governor’s race, Xavier Becerra walks away from single-payer • Sacramento News & Review — Sacramento News & Review https://sacramento.newsreview.com/2026/05/26/in-california-governors-race-xavier-becerra-walks-away-from-single-payer/ Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra are virtually tied in a new California governor poll, with Tom Steyer still within reach and Matt Mahan fighting late campaign-finance questions as the June primary narrows. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Walters: Hilton and Becerra lead new poll for governor of California. Steyer is behind, but not out. — Mercury News https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/05/23/walters-hilton-and-becerra-lead-new-poll-for-governor-of-california-steyer-is-behind-but-not-out/ 2. Matt Mahan facing campaign questions, political jabs ahead of primary — ABC7 News https://abc7news.com/post/california-gubernatorial-election-matt-mahan-facing-campaign-questions-political-jabs-ahead-primary/19170273/ 3. Tom Steyer on why he should be California's next governor: Video — The Sacramento Bee https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/election/article315849700.html 4. Dan Walters: Education Is Vital and Costs California Billions, So Why Aren’t Candidates for Governor Talking About It? | Opinions | Noozhawk — Noozhawk https://www.noozhawk.com/dan-walters-education-is-vital-and-costs-california-billions-so-why-arent-candidates-for-governor-talking-about-it/ 5. Here are full interviews with top California governor candidates — KCRA 3 News https://www.kcra.com/article/california-governor-election-top-candidate-interviews/71041066 Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California governor campaigns are entering a rougher phase: Matt Mahan’s outside support is unwinding, Tom Steyer’s paid influencer push faces legal scrutiny, and Republicans used a Fresno debate and Chad Bianco’s water pitch to sharpen their case. In this episode: Top stories: 1. LIVE: Republican California Governor Debate - YouTube — KMPH FOX26 NEWS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmVeoo2w8go 2. San Jose mayor's bid for CA governor fizzles out - San José Spotlight — San José Spotlight https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-mayors-bid-for-ca-governor-fizzles-out/ 3. PRIMARY ‘26: Porter pledges to not take corporate donations for California gubernatorial campaign (with video) – City Times — City Times https://sdcitytimes.com/news/2026/05/22/primary-26-porter-introduction/ 4. Can you trust that post about Tom Steyer? How paid influencers are flooding into the governor’s race — CalMatters https://timesofsandiego.com/politics/2026/05/23/paid-influencers-governors-race/ 5. 'We’re not in a drought': Bianco blames state for California water crisis — FOX26 News https://kmph.com/news/local-politics/fox-26-exclusive-sheriff-chad-bianco-addresses-fresno-voters Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California governor candidates are closing the primary around affordability: Chad Bianco gets a KQED/PBS town hall, Katie Porter presses corporate-tax plans despite weak polling, and debate coverage shows housing, insurance and cost-of-living anxiety dominating the race. In this episode: Top stories: 1. California Gubernatorial Election Town Hall 2026 | Sheriff Chad Bianco | PBS — PBS https://www.pbs.org/video/sheriff-chad-bianco-5f3yri/ 2. Step Back: Candidates keep lumping rent, housing, and insurance into one big “affordability crisis” — but are those actually the same problem, or would California’s next governor need totally different tools to move each one? 3. Katie Porter has big plans, but struggles to break through in the polls – NBC 7 San Diego — NBC 7 San Diego https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/katie-porter-california-governer-race/4027300/ 4. California governor debate focuses on affordability | Columnists | napavalleyregister.com — Napa Valley Register https://napavalleyregister.com/opinion/column/start-the-presses-governor-candidates-debate-who-can-still-afford-the-dream/article_991344ef-585a-4b77-8588-312efda533bd.html 5. The Boyle Heights Lessons Behind Villaraigosa’s Run for Governor — The Jewish Journal https://jewishjournal.com/community/388848/the-boyle-heights-lessons-behind-villaraigosas-run-for-governor/ Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California governor’s race polling now has Steve Hilton at 22% and Xavier Becerra at 21%, signaling consolidation as Tom Steyer stalls, Chad Bianco loses GOP room, and YIMBY groups split over who can actually build housing. In this episode: Top stories: 1. California primary poll: who’s rising in key voter groups | Sacramento Bee — Sacramento Bee https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article315816524.html 2. Step Back: California is deep blue, but the people who show up in a governor’s primary aren’t always a mirror of the state — who actually votes in these primaries, and how can that distort which candidates look stronger in polls? 3. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco vows to 'dismantle' Gavin Newsom budget in outsider bid for governor - ABC7 San Francisco — ABC7 San Francisco https://abc7news.com/post/riverside-county-sheriff-chad-bianco-vows-dismantle-gavin-newsom-budget-outsider-bid-governor/19133885/ 4. YIMBY Movement Split on California Governor Endorsement — The Real Deal https://therealdeal.com/la/2026/05/20/yimby-movement-split-on-california-governor-endorsement/ 5. California Gubernatorial Primary Preview - VoteHub — VoteHub https://votehub.com/2026/05/20/california-gubernatorial-primary-preview/ Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California governor’s race polling puts Xavier Becerra ahead despite Tom Steyer’s ad barrage, while Steve Hilton consolidates Republicans around an affordability pitch—tightening the June top-two stakes for Democrats and the GOP’s outsider lane. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Hilton, Becerra in tightening race in final weeks of California governor's campaign - Los Angeles Times — Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-05-19/hilton-becerra-in-tightening-race-in-final-weeks-of-california-governors-campaign 2. Step Back: If Tom Steyer can pour nearly $200 million into his own campaign and still face scrutiny over paid influencers, what guardrails does California actually have around self-funded campaigns and online political advertising? 3. Bianco vows to 'dismantle' Newsom budget in outsider bid for California governor — ABC7 San Francisco https://abc7news.com/post/riverside-county-sheriff-chad-bianco-vows-dismantle-gavin-newsom-budget-outsider-bid-governor/19133885/ 4. Governor's Race: Republican Steve Hilton pitches affordability, 'change' to win over non-red voters — Yahoo News https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/governors-race-republican-steve-hilton-142023317.html Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

Becerra’s new frontrunner status is reshaping the closing primary stretch: rivals attacked his ethics, health-care realism, and Sacramento résumé, while Matt Mahan tries to turn Silicon Valley money into a governing case rather than a liability. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Everyone ganged up on Democrat Becerra in the last governor’s debate. He seemed to love it — CalMatters https://us.headtopics.com/news/everyone-ganged-up-on-democrat-becerra-in-the-last-83505851 2. Tech leaders funding Matt Mahan's campaign for California governor say it's not about tech - AOL — AOL https://www.aol.com/news/tech-leaders-funding-matt-mahans-100000449.html 3. Step Back: Why does single-payer health care — a longtime goal for many California progressives — keep running into walls in Sacramento, and what does it signal that Xavier Becerra is now saying it’s not feasible? 4. Xavier Becerra surges to lead over rivals in 2026 Governor’s contest — AOL https://www.aol.com/articles/xavier-becerra-surges-lead-over-012934025.html 5. California Gubernatorial Primary Concerns and Ballot Initiative — LAist https://us.headtopics.com/news/california-gubernatorial-primary-concerns-and-ballot-83503366 Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

Xavier Becerra’s sudden rise has turned him into the race’s main target, with rivals using the final debate to test both his policy evasions and the Williamson corruption cloud. The top-two primary math makes even a narrow lead feel precarious. In this episode: Top stories: 1. CA governor candidates focus on corruption, abortion and climate in final debate — Sacramento Bee https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article315742163.html 2. New Poll Shows 'The Rise Of Xavier Becerra' In California ... — Forbes Breaking News https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_gVY3HwN_c 3. Step Back: With a crowded field and California’s top-two primary, are candidates really trying to win over all voters right now — or just survive to November? — Hoodline 4. Primary 26’: After sudden bump in polls, Becerra takes lead in run for CA governor (with video) – City Times — City Times https://sdcitytimes.com/news/2026/05/15/primary-26-becerra-introduction/ Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

The Williamson corruption case moved from campaign liability to guilty plea just as Xavier Becerra, the Democratic front-runner, faced a final debate and intensifying scrutiny over how he handles hard questions. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Calmatters: Former Newsom Chief Of Staff Pleads Guilty To Scheme That Bled Money From Becerras Account — SFGate https://www.sfgate.com/news/bayarea/article/calmatters-former-newsom-chief-of-staff-pleads-22259911.php 2. The corruption scandal that could sink Xavier Becerra, explained — SF Standard https://sfstandard.com/2026/05/14/becerra-governor-race-corruption/ 3. Last governor's debate before California's primary | KTVU - YouTube — KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_s13zJ4uPp8 4. Becerra dodges tough questions as frontrunner in governor’s race — CalMatters https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/05/california-governor-becerra-criticism/ 5. San Jose mayor's claims on reducing homelessness face scrutiny - CBS San Francisco — CBS News https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/video/san-jose-mayors-claims-on-reducing-homelessness-face-scrutiny/ Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

Becerra’s campaign is colliding with the Dana Williamson corruption case just as rivals sharpen affordability pitches and voters hear sweeping promises on homelessness and housing that no governor can deliver alone. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Dana Williamson hearing could include plea deal in Sacramento | Sacramento Bee — Sacramento Bee https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article315732372.html 2. Step Back: When candidates for California governor promise to tackle homelessness and affordability, what can a governor actually do on their own—and what still depends on cities, counties, the Legislature, or the courts? — CalMatters 3. Billionaire Democrat Prioritizes Affordability in California Campaign - World Today News — World Today News https://www.world-today-news.com/billionaire-democrat-prioritizes-affordability-in-california-campaign/ 4. Xavier Becerra brings campaign to Oxnard - Vida Newspaper — Vida Newspaper https://vidanewspaper.com/2026/05/13/becerra-campaigns-in-oxnard/ Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California’s governor race is tightening around Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra, while candidates face sharper pressure to explain how they would lower housing, health care, gas and homelessness costs without relying on slogans. In this episode: Top stories: 1. California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra addresses homeless spending, gas prices in KTLA interview — KTLA https://ktla.com/news/california/xavier-becerra-interview-governor-race/ 2. California governor’s race tightens as 2 candidates lead crowded field - AOL — AOL https://www.aol.com/news/california-governor-race-tightens-2-170143090.html 3. In California Governor Race, Single-Payer Is a Litmus Test. There’s Still No Way To Pay for It. • Sacramento News & Review — Sacramento News & Review https://sacramento.newsreview.com/2026/05/12/in-california-governor-race-single-payer-is-a-litmus-test-theres-still-no-way-to-pay-for-it/ 4. CA Housing Crisis Exposes Deep Divisions Among Dem Governor Candidates - Davis Vanguard — Davis Vanguard https://davisvanguard.org/2026/05/state-housing-policy-forum/ 5. ‘I think he’s an opportunist’: Chad Bianco, Steve Hilton vie for votes at governor’s forum — KGET 17 News https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/think-opportunist-chad-bianco-steve-162035582.html Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California’s governor race is consolidating around the cost of living: housing, energy, gas and homelessness are now the policy battleground, while a fractured field leaves both parties trying to turn voter frustration into a June breakthrough. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Here’s How the Candidates for Governor Would Make California More Affordable — KQED https://www.kqed.org/news/12082915/heres-how-the-candidates-for-governor-would-make-california-more-affordable 2. Data-Driven & Outcome-Focused San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan Enters CA Governor’s Race — India Currents https://indiacurrents.com/data-driven-outcome-focused-san-jose-mayor-matt-mahan-enters-ca-governors-race/ 3. Riverside County sheriff looks to take California in a different direction if elected governor — KPBS https://www.kpbs.org/news/politics/2026/05/11/riverside-county-sheriff-looks-to-take-california-in-a-different-direction-if-elected-governor 4. Steyer Discusses Housing Agenda, YIMBY Support on ‘Pod Save America’ - Davis Vanguard — Davis Vanguard https://davisvanguard.org/2026/05/steyer-yimby-real-estate/ 5. How California’s Governor’s Race Became Such an Unholy Mess — Intelligencer https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/california-governor-race-becerra-steyer-swalwell.html Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

With voting already underway, the governor’s race is turning into a policy stress test: candidates are being pressed on immigration, healthcare, housing supply, billionaire taxes, tech money and whether Newsom will bless anyone at all. In this episode: Top stories: 1. California Governor Debate Focuses on Immigration — HSJ Chronicle https://hsjchronicle.com/california-governor-debate-healthcare-immigration-taxes/ 2. Top CA governor contenders got grilled by Ezra Klein on housing — SF Standard https://sfstandard.com/2026/05/08/ezra-klein-california-governor-housing/ 3. Tech is Betting on a Former Executive in the Race for California Governor — Broadband Breakfast https://broadbandbreakfast.com/tech-is-betting-on-a-former-executive-in-the-race-for-california-governor/ 4. Gov. Gavin Newsom again declines to endorse a candidate in governor’s race - AOL — AOL https://www.aol.com/news/gov-gavin-newsom-again-declines-193524816.html 5. Race for Governor: Thurmond Wants to End ICE, Build 2M Homes — The CC Pulse https://ccpulse.org/2026/05/08/race-for-governor-thurmond-wants-to-abolish-ice-build-2-million-homes/ Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

The governor’s race turned from personality to price tags, with candidates pressed on high-speed rail, Medi-Cal eligibility, women’s sports and oil production, while the insurance crisis drew a technocratic pitch for regulation rooted in market experience. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Dem candidates make stunning debate pledges that’ll infuriate most Californians - AOL — AOL https://www.aol.com/articles/dem-candidates-stunning-debate-pledges-035851797.html 2. Patrick Wolff: Taking on the insurance crisis with experience, not politics – Orange County Register — Orange County Register https://www.ocregister.com/2026/05/02/patrick-wolff-taking-on-the-insurance-crisis-with-experience-not-politics/ Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

With ballots landing, the race is tightening around concrete tests: homelessness policy, Becerra’s sudden elevation, and whether Steyer’s endorsements or Mahan’s tech-funded moderation can translate money and validators into actual primary votes. In this episode: Top stories: 1. How will California’s next governor handle homelessness? - CalMatters — CalMatters https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/05/ca-governor-candidates-homelessness/ 2. California’s candidates for governor target ascending Becerra on national stage – Orange County Register — Orange County Register https://www.ocregister.com/2026/05/06/californias-candidates-for-governor-target-ascending-becerra-on-national-stage/ 3. Willie Brown endorses Tom Steyer for California governor — Sacramento Bee https://www.sacbee.com/entertainment/living/article315650089.html 4. The California Academy of Family Physicians Endorses Xavier Becerra for California Governor — PR Newswire https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-california-academy-of-family-physicians-endorses-xavier-becerra-for-california-governor-302764526.html 5. Backed By Tech Money, A Moderate Democrat From Silicon Valley Mounts A Bid For California Governor — Recently Heard https://recentlyheard.com/backed-by-tech-money-a-moderate-democrat-from-silicon-valley-mounts-a-bid-for-california-governor/ Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

A new Democratic Party poll puts Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton atop a still-fractured governor’s race, just as CNN’s debate turned sharp with mail voting already underway. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Becerra Tied With Hilton for Lead in California Governor's Race: Poll — GV Wire https://gvwire.com/2026/05/05/becerra-tied-with-hilton-for-lead-in-california-governors-race-poll/ 2. Candidates for California governor tangle in testy debate with mail voting already underway - ABC News — ABC News https://abcnews.com/US/wireStory/candidates-california-governor-tangle-testy-debate-mail-voting-132690095 3. Follow Money: CA Governor’s Race 2026 — Fullerton Observer https://fullertonobserver.com/2026/05/05/follow-money-ca-governors-race-2026/ 4. Q&A: Katie Porter, California governor candidate – San Diego Union-Tribune — San Diego Union-Tribune https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/05/05/qa-katie-porter-california-governor-candidate/ 5. Tom Steyer wins endorsement from former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown — San Francisco Chronicle https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/willie-brown-tom-steyer-governor-endorsement-22243220.php Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

As ballots arrive, California’s governor race is still unsettled: seven candidates head to a CNN debate, polls show no clear favorite, and endorsements, education fights and top-two math are sharpening the stakes. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Will Tuesday's California gubernatorial debate be 'calm' or 'a mess?' - AOL — AOL https://www.aol.com/articles/tuesdays-california-gubernatorial-debate-calm-171814899.html 2. It's here! Candidates talk to us in our 2026 voter guide - CalMatters — Lynn La https://calmatters.org/newsletter/california-2026-elections-voter-guide/ 3. California gubernatorial candidates divided over education funding and social issues | Education | calonews.com — Diana Lambert, EdSource https://www.calonews.com/featured-topics/education/california-gubernatorial-candidates-divided-over-education-funding-and-social-issues/article_46e14cab-fc30-447e-8b29-f9a586170718.html 4. Kamala Harris endorses slate of California candidates — but not for governor — San Francisco Chronicle https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/kamala-harris-governor-endorsement-22239965.php 5. SACRAMENTO BEE & MCCLATCHY CALIFORNIA ENDORSES KATIE PORTER FOR GOVERNOR  | Katie Porter for Governor — abbyhasselbrink https://katieporter.com/2026/05/sacramento-bee-mcclatchy-california-endorses-katie-porter-for-governor/ Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

Becerra’s health-care retreat and campaign-adjacent ethics questions are giving rivals new openings, while Steyer’s self-funded push and Chevron-money fights show how fast California’s governor’s race is becoming a test of money, trust, and purity politics. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Xavier Becerra Backpedals on Single Payer as He Woos Powerful Doctors’ Lobby | KQED — KQED https://www.kqed.org/news/12082059/xavier-becerra-backpedals-on-single-payer-as-he-woos-powerful-doctors-lobby 2. Political firm with ties to people accused of stealing from Xavier Becerra is supporting his bid for governor — KCRA https://www.kcra.com/article/xavier-becerra-bearstar-supporting-bid-for-governor/71181747 3. PRIMARY ‘26: Billionaire Steyer goes all in for California’s gubernatorial race (with video) – City Times — Azriel Castaneda https://sdcitytimes.com/news/2026/05/01/primary-26-steyer-introduction/ 4. Steyer criticizes Chevron money but allies also benefit | Sacramento Bee — Sacramento Bee https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article315586981.html 5. From the desk of…Another televised debate, another missed chance to clear up California’s unsettled governor’s race – The Ukiah Daily Journal — The Ukiah Daily Journal https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/05/01/from-the-desk-of-another-televised-debate-another-missed-chance-to-clear-up-californias-unsettled-governors-race/ Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California’s unsettled governor’s race is being pulled between process panic and trust problems: Democrats are suddenly worried the top-two primary could backfire, while Becerra faces fresh scrutiny over campaign allies and rivals struggle to break through. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Political firm with ties to people accused of stealing from Xavier Becerra is supporting his bid for governor — Ashley Zavala https://www.kcra.com/article/xavier-becerra-bearstar-supporting-bid-for-governor/71181747 2. Top California Democrat urges change to ‘free-for-all’ primary to keep governor’s mansion blue — The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/01/california-democrats-republicans-governor 3. From the desk of…Another televised debate, another missed chance to clear up California’s unsettled governor’s race – The Ukiah Daily Journal — The Ukiah Daily Journal https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/05/01/from-the-desk-of-another-televised-debate-another-missed-chance-to-clear-up-californias-unsettled-governors-race/ 4. ‘We’re Gonna Get ICE Out of the State’: California Governor Candidate Butch Ware Faces Backlash Over ICE Threat | The Nerd Stash — The Nerd Stash https://thenerdstash.com/were-gonna-get-ice-out-of-the-state-california-governor-candidate-butch-ware-faces-backlash-over-ice-threat/ Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California’s governor’s race remains unsettled after another low-clarity debate, even as new polling tightens the top tier and candidates sharpen positions on housing, schools, and Hollywood jobs. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Another televised debate, another missed chance to clear up California’s unsettled governor’s race – Lake County Record-Bee — Lake County Record-Bee https://www.record-bee.com/2026/04/30/another-televised-debate-another-missed-chance-to-clear-up-californias-unsettled-governors-race/ 2. Steyer Closing In On Hilton In Latest Governor's Race Poll, Becerra On the Rise — Sfist https://sfist.com/2026/04/30/steyer-closing-in-on-hilton-in-latest-governors-race-poll-becerra-on-the-rise/ 3. Your guide to the California governor candidates' views on housing and homelessness — Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-05-01/2026-california-election-governor-candidates-housing-homelessness-voter-guide 4. California gubernatorial candidates divided over education funding and social issues – EdSource — EdSource https://edsource.org/2026/california-governors-education-debate/756626?amp=1 5. Trump-Backed Candidate Joins Call for Unlimited Film and TV Incentive — Variety https://variety.com/2026/film/news/trump-steve-hilton-film-tv-tax-incentive-1236734509/ Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California’s governor’s race is entering ballot season without a clear front-runner: new polling and a chaotic debate show a splintered field, while Tom Steyer’s anti-billionaire pitch and Matt Mahan’s moderate Silicon Valley lane sharpen the Democratic fight. In this episode: Top stories: 1. New poll shows the leading candidates in the Calif. governor's race — SFGATE https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/california-poll-governor-race-debate-22230776.php 2. California candidates for governor tangle in messy TV debate with mail ballots about to go out — MICHAEL R. BLOOD and SOPHIE AUSTIN - Associated Press https://www.wfmz.com/news/ap/ap-national/california-candidates-for-governor-tangle-in-messy-tv-debate-with-mail-ballots-about-to-go/article_2245b32f-76d9-5956-833c-caf146bf7a1e.html 3. Billionaire Tom Steyer wants to take on the rich in run for California governor — r/California (633 pts, 473 comments) https://www.reddit.com/r/California/comments/1sz39sk/billionaire_tom_steyer_wants_to_take_on_the_rich/ 4. PRIMARY ‘26: Mahan courts moderate voters, backed by Silicon Valley elite (with video) – City Times — David J. Bohnet https://sdcitytimes.com/news/2026/04/29/primary-26-mahan-courts-moderate-voters-backed-by-silicon-valley-elite-with-video/ Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

Xavier Becerra is turning Eric Swalwell’s collapse into momentum, rising in polls and adding Newsom-world operatives while Swalwell’s former donors seek refunds. The race is rapidly reorganizing around credibility, capacity and who can survive scrutiny before June. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Why Xavier Becerra is rising in the California governor’s race – KION Central Coast — CNN Newsource https://kioncentralcoast.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2026/04/28/xavier-becerra-wants-to-talk-about-his-experience-so-do-his-rivals-for-california-governor/ 2. Eric Swalwell gubernatorial donors trying to get their money back — San Francisco Chronicle https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/eric-swalwell-donor-refunds-22228349.php 3. Xavier Becerra supercharges governor campaign with ‘Swiss Army knife’ Gavin Newsom aide - AOL — AOL https://www.aol.com/articles/xavier-becerra-supercharges-governor-campaign-151857274.html Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

Becerra is now the race’s gravitational center: newly flush with cash and endorsements, newly under attack, and facing fresh scrutiny over stolen campaign funds. Meanwhile, the field is hardening around back-to-back televised debates. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Becerra goes from bust to boom — Politico https://www.politico.com/newsletters/california-playbook/2026/04/27/becerra-goes-from-bust-to-boom-00892634 2. California Governor Hopefuls Face Off in Televised Debate — Californiacitynews https://www.californiacitynews.org/2026/04/california-governor-hopefuls-face-televised-debate.html 3. Here are the candidates who have qualified for CNN’s California governor’s debate — Kaanita Iyer, Jack Clifton https://www.cnn.com/politics/who-are-the-california-governor-candidates-cnn-debate 4. Xavier Becerra faces new questions around stolen campaign funds — KCRA https://www.kcra.com/article/xavier-becerra-new-questions-after-campaign-funds-stolen/71143407 5. Filipino Nurse Christine Sarmiento Joins California's 2026 Gubernatorial Race — Nurse https://nurse.org/news/nurse-sarmiento-california-governor/ Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

Xavier Becerra’s sudden momentum is pulling California’s governor race back toward experience, record, and scrutiny after decades in public office. The question now is whether familiarity helps him—or gives rivals more to target. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Becerra's surge in California governor race draws fresh attention to candidacy, long government record — Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-04-27/becerras-surge-california-governor-race-draws-attention-to-candidacy-long-government-record Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

Xavier Becerra is emerging as the Democratic pole sitter, buoyed by small-dollar donations and reproductive-rights backing, while California Democrats confront the familiar top-two nightmare: a fractured field that could lock them out. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Becerra gains momentum in California governor's race — Barnini Chakraborty https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/state/4541416/xavier-becerra-momentum-california-governor-race/ 2. Consolidate or Collapse? Planned Parenthood Backs Becerra as Democrats Face Primary Shutout Risk — Anne Howard - Reporter / Editor-in-chief https://www.scopeweekly.com/2026/04/consolidate-or-collapse-planned-parenthood-backs-becerra-as-democrats-face-primary-shutout-risk/ Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

Tom Steyer’s self-funded campaign is now the gravitational force in California’s governor race, forcing rivals to answer both his progressive housing agenda and the uncomfortable question of whether billionaire money can buy a Democratic lane. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Billionaire blitz: Steyer’s $132 million campaign dwarfs rivals in California governor race — CalMatters https://www.livermorevine.com/calmatters/2026/04/24/billionaire-blitz-steyers-132-million-campaign-dwarfs-rivals-in-california-governor-race/ 2. Did Anyone Break Through in The California Governor's Debate? — Kqed https://www.kqed.org/news/12081345/did-anyone-break-through-in-the-california-governors-debate Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

The California governor's race is heating up fast, and Wednesday's debate made clear that Tom Steyer is now the target everyone's aiming at. Rivals trained their attacks on the billionaire's hedge fund past — specifically investments in private prisons and oil — while Attorney General Xavier Becerra also took some heat over his mixed record on police accountability. The debate dynamic is telling: when candidates start throwing punches at you, it usually means you're leading or at least threatening to. But Steyer's bigger problem might be outside the debate hall. PG&E just launched a $10 million PAC specifically to take him out — a move that's generating serious buzz online and underscores how much the utility giant fears a Steyer governorship. Ironically, the corporate attack ad money could end up being a gift to Steyer, reinforcing his outsider-versus-entrenched-interests narrative. Meanwhile, Katie Porter picked up a notable endorsement from Congressman Robert Garcia, a signal that she's consolidating some of the progressive-but-institutionalist lane. Becerra's camp is claiming momentum and movement in the polls, though he'll need to answer persistent questions about his law enforcement record as the race tightens. On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco continued to raise eyebrows — this week dodging a direct question about whether he'd seize California primary ballots, which is exactly the kind of moment that plays well in a GOP primary and terribly everywhere else. Add to the mix Christine Sarmiento, a Filipino American public health nurse running as an independent on an affordability-and-accountability platform, and the field keeps growing. Independent candidates rarely break through in California statewide races, but her entry signals the breadth of voter dissatisfaction. The race is still wide open, but the next few weeks of fundraising disclosures and polling will tell us whether Steyer's money advantage can survive both debate-stage attacks and a well-funded utility behemoth coming for him. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Rivals Target Steyer, Becerra in Debate As California Governor Race Tightens — Kqed https://www.kqed.org/news/12080843/rivals-target-steyer-becerra-in-debate-as-california-governor-race-tightens 2. Fil-Am nurse launches bid for California governor — nrueda https://usa.inquirer.net/195242/fil-am-nurse-launches-bid-for-california-governor Notable reactions: 1. PG&E launches $10 million PAC to take out gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer — r/California (3033 pts, 687 comments) https://www.reddit.com/r/California/comments/1stki2p/pge_launches_10_million_pac_to_take_out/ 2. CONGRESSMAN ROBERT GARCIA ENDORSES KATIE PORTER FOR CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR | Katie Porter for Governor — r/California (185 pts, 137 comments) https://www.reddit.com/r/California/comments/1su5vey/congressman_robert_garcia_endorses_katie_porter/ 3. Can progressives trust California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to police the police? — r/California (433 pts, 546 comments) https://www.reddit.com/r/California/comments/1sttnzn/can_progressives_trust_california_attorney/ 4. Becerra sees momentum, money and movement in the polls in governor’s race — r/politics (9 pts, 14 comments) https://www.reddit.com/r/politics/comments/1stx7os/becerra_sees_momentum_money_and_movement_in_the/ 5. Republican Sheriff Dodges Question About Whether He Would Seize California Primary Ballots - Yahoo News Canada — X https://ca.news.yahoo.com/republican-sheriff-dodges-whether-seize-055956477.html Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

The California governor's race hit a genuine inflection point this week, with a debate Wednesday night forcing the question every voter and donor is quietly asking: can anyone actually catch Tom Steyer's money machine — and does money even matter here? Steyer has now poured a staggering $115 million of his personal fortune into the race, dwarfing his nearest rivals by a factor of 30. And yet, per a new Emerson College poll, he's trailing both Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco. That's the brutal irony of this cycle: the guy flooding the airwaves can't seem to buy a polling lead. IATSE's endorsement — Hollywood's biggest crew union, drawn in part by Steyer's production-incentive pitch — adds labor credibility, but it's a hard sell when your anti-billionaire message is underwritten by your own billions. Reddit noticed the tension immediately, with one thread pointing out Steyer citing Karl Marx while managing a hedge fund empire. Meanwhile, the candidate with actual momentum right now is Xavier Becerra. The former HHS Secretary was barely registering in the single digits until Eric Swalwell's exit reshuffled the board. Now he's racking up institutional firepower fast — Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas's endorsement is the kind of Sacramento-insider validation that signals the political establishment is starting to coalesce. The SF Chronicle's Joe Garofoli frames Wednesday's debate as a breakthrough opportunity for both Becerra and Kate Porter, each needing a defining moment to cut through Steyer's ad saturation. Porter, once considered a top-tier contender, is clearly struggling to find her footing post-Swalwell. The debate — streaming free on KTLA+ — may be her last best chance to remind California progressives why they were excited about her in the first place. The broader picture: this is a race with no dominant Democrat, two Republicans polling surprisingly well, and a billionaire spending at historic levels without consolidating support. Becerra's surge is real but still early. The next few weeks of polling after this debate will tell us whether this is finally crystallizing — or whether it stays scrambled all the way to the June primary. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Porter, Becerra seek breakthrough at California governor's race debate — Joe Garofoli https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/joegarofoli/article/porter-becerra-california-governor-22218445.php 2. IATSE Backs Tom Steyer in Race for California Governor ... - Variety — Gene Maddaus https://variety.com/2026/politics/news/iatse-tom-steyer-california-governor-endorsement-1236728164/ 3. Becerra sees momentum, money and movement in the polls in governor's race | News Pub — Press Room https://newspub.live/politics/becerra-sees-momentum-money-and-movement-in-the-polls-in-governors-race/ 4. California governor’s race remains wide open as Steyer pours $115M into campaign — Bakersfieldnow https://bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/california-governors-race-remains-wide-open-as-steyer-pours-115m-into-campaign 5. New Xavier Becerra endorsement: Top California lawmaker backs surging Democrat — Kron4 https://www.kron4.com/news/politics/inside-california-politics/california-assembly-speaker-endorses-xavier-becerra-for-governor/amp/ Notable reactions: 1. Running for California Governor, Tom Steyer Says Billionaires Like Him ‘Should Pay More Taxes’ — r/California (852 pts, 510 comments) https://www.reddit.com/r/California/comments/1sstegy/running_for_california_governor_tom_steyer_says/ 2. California governor debate set for Wednesday night: How to watch — r/California (139 pts, 23 comments) https://www.reddit.com/r/California/comments/1ssz39c/california_governor_debate_set_for_wednesday/ 3. Progressive Group Founded by Bernie Sanders Endorses Billionaire for California Go… Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]

California's governor's race just got a lot clearer — and messier — in the span of 24 hours. Former State Controller Betty Yee has dropped out, citing the brutal reality of lagging polls and a fundraising deficit she couldn't overcome. But in a move that immediately reshuffled the board, Yee endorsed Tom Steyer on her way out the door, throwing her support behind the billionaire climate activist who has now poured a staggering $115 million of his own money into the race — roughly 30 times what his nearest Democratic rivals have spent. The problem for Steyer? Money isn't moving the needle the way you'd expect. A new Emerson College poll shows him trailing Republican candidates Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco despite the unprecedented self-funding blitz. It's the kind of data point that fuels the r/California crowd's gleeful mockery: 'Running for governor, says billionaires like him should pay more taxes.' Meanwhile, a Bernie Sanders-affiliated progressive group endorsed Steyer — a billionaire — which is exactly as awkward as it sounds and generated plenty of online chatter. The bigger story, though, is Xavier Becerra. The former U.S. Attorney General has been quietly building momentum since Eric Swalwell's scandal-driven exit cratered the Democratic establishment lane, and now the surge feels real. California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas has endorsed Becerra, joining a wave of Democratic lawmakers lining up behind him. His rising poll numbers suggest voters are responding to his federal experience and name recognition at a moment when California Democrats are anxious about competence and national standing. The Becerra question — as analyst Ed Kilgore frames it — is whether his surge saves California Democrats by giving them a credible, experienced standard-bearer, or whether it exposes just how thin the bench became after Swalwell's collapse. With Yee out, the Democratic primary is effectively shaping up as Steyer's money versus Becerra's momentum. Republicans Hilton and Bianco, meanwhile, are watching Democrats burn through resources and goodwill and quietly liking what they see. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Lagging in polls and fundraising, Betty Yee drops out of California governor’s race - Local News Matters — Jeanne Kuang, CalMatters https://localnewsmatters.org/2026/04/20/lagging-in-polls-and-fundraising-betty-yee-drops-out-of-california-governors-race/ 2. Former California controller Betty Yee drops out of governor's race | Fox News — Fox News https://www.foxnews.com/politics/another-democrat-exits-californias-crowded-gubernatorial-race-weeks-june-2-primary-election 3. California governor’s race remains wide open as Steyer pours $115M into campaign — Bakersfieldnow https://bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/california-governors-race-remains-wide-open-as-steyer-pours-115m-into-campaign 4. Will the Becerra Surge Save or Sink California Democrats? — Ed Kilgore https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/will-the-becerra-surge-save-or-sink-california-democrats.html 5. California democratic lawmakers rally behind Xavier Becerra for governor amid rising poll numbers | abc10.com — abc10.com https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/california-democratic-lawmakers-rally-behind-xavier-becerra-for-governor/103-a0fa1df7-9f2a-4040-aa9e-4687968bed1f Notable reactions: 1. Betty Yee backs Tom Steyer for governor after exiting race | abc10.com — X https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/betty-yee-backs-tom-steyer-for-governor-exiting-race/103-0acaaf02-9e6f-41b5-bf9d-3ee4d965519c 2. Progressive Group Founded by Bernie Sanders Endorses Billionaire for California Governor — r/politics (15 pts, 43 comments) https://www.reddit.com/r/politics/comments/1ss6km0/progressive_group_founded_by_bernie_sanders/ 3. California As… Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]