California’s messy race for governorsnapped into focus Tuesday nightwhen a crowded, combative field of candidates was asked to sum up Gov. Gavin Newsom’s tenure in just one word.
The debate, broadcast live on CNN, featured seven contendersstill jockeying for position in a racewith no clear frontrunner, as clashes over taxes, gas prices and immigration dominated the stage.
But one of the night’s most revealing moments came when moderators posed a simple question:
The blunt exercise exposed deep divisions — not just between parties, but with the candidates.
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s “performative” swipe suggested frustration with what critics see as headline-grabbing leadership, while former Rep. Katie Porter andbillionaire Tom Steyeroffered more favorable takes, pointing to Newsom’s aggressive liberal agenda.
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Republicans, meanwhile, didn’t mince words. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and media figure Steve Hilton hammered the governor with near-identical condemnations.
Even some Democrats appeared lukewarm. Former federal official Xavier Becerra praised Newsom as “game-changing,” but San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan’s “incomplete” hinted at unfinished business in a state still struggling with affordability and homelessness.
In a statefacing mounting challenges, Newsom’s legacy — like the race to replace him — remains very much up for debate.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
