In the California governor debate on Wednesday the six candidates tried to make their pitch to voters.
This debate comes in the aftermath of former Representative Eric Swalwell's exit from the race over sexual misconduct allegations.
The candidates who took part were: Steve Hilton, the former Fox News host and director of strategy to former UK prime minister David Cameron; and Chad Bianco, the sheriff of Riverside County – and the four leading Democrats: billionaire Tom Steyer; former health secretary Xavier Becerra; former congresswoman Katie Porter and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.
Both Republicans and Democrats outlined their vision for the state.
'I'm not like them,' former representative Katie Porter said. 'I'm like you, a mom fighting for a better future for California.'
'We need someone who knows how to govern in a crisis, not someone who's going to need training wheels the moment they walk into the governor's office,' Former AG of California Xavier Becerra said.
Bianco, questioned about his recent decision to seize more than half a million ballots cast in a November special election from county election officials, insisted the probe was a 'very very basic, normal investigation.' Since the state supreme court intervened to halt his investigation, Bianco claimed, 'We're never going to know if our elections are secure.'
Hilton, meanwhile, insisted Trump's endorsement was a strength, even though nearly two-thirds of Californians disapprove of the president. 'It will benefit every Californian to have a governor who is a partner on these issues with the President and his team,' he said.
Former US Representative Eric Swalwell pulled out of the race last week over sexual misconduct allegations.
'I am suspending my campaign for Governor,' Swalwell posted on X. 'To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that's my fight, not a campaign's.'
Source: International Business Times UK
