The California governor’s race has gone through a dramatic change since the last time candidates took the stage — most notably thesuspension of Democratic front runner Eric Swalwell’s campaignafter a scandal filled with sexual misconduct allegations.

Gov. Gavin Newsomrefused to endorse a candidatein the race today ahead of the debate, but made it clear he expects a Democrat to win despite polls showing Republican candidates in the race gaining popularity among Californians.

Thefour Democrats and two Republicansthat will take the stage will tackle an array of topics and will address the litany of issues plaguing the Golden State including affordability, homelessness and the recent exodus of citizens and businesses.

Here’s a list of the candidates appearing tonight:

A consistent leader in polls, the former Fox News host is looking to become the state’s first Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco is the other Republican in the race and has polled closely behind Hilton. In March,Bianco seized 650,000 ballotsfrom the state’s November elections in an investigation into the state’s November 2025 special election on Proposition 50 after a third-party organization, the Riverside Election Integrity Team, claimed it found roughly 45,000 excess votes.

Former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerrahas been thebiggest benefactor of Swalwell’s exit, gaining popularity in polls. The Democrat has held several state positions including the State Assembly and as California’s Attorney General.

Billionaire Democrat Tom Steyerwas seen as the second leading Democrat in the race behind Swalwell before the latter’s abrupt exit — yet he has failed to capitalize on it. He has faced scrutiny from his own party on some of his previous investments prior to his run for governor.

Democrat Katie Porter’s campaign got off to a rocky startwhen videos of her lashing outon staff and a reporter began to circulate. The former US representative hasn’t been able to climb over leading candidates in polls since announcing her campaign.

Democratic Mayor of San Jose Matt Mahan isa Silicon Valley favorite— andNewsom critic. Recent pollsput him behind everyone else on the stage.

Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos