Post CA Gubernatorial Debate Poll – Hilton Scores Big Victory

Steve Hilton was the lone Republican on the stage for the first statewide debate of candidates for Governor. He was joined by six Democrats:

States Schools Superintendent Tony Thurmond, whose comments made him appear to be the most liberal;

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who entered the race last week purportedly at the urging of Silicon Valley interests;

Billionaire Tom Steyer, who, despite spending $27 million (7 times his closest competitor in spending – Hilton at $3.8), is struggling mightily in the polls;

Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who noted how very long he has been out of politics;

Former California state controller Betty Yee, who gave a steady if not vibrant performance; and

Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and Attorney General of California Xavier Becerra, who appeared to rely heavily on notes for many of his remarks.

The unscientifc Post debate poll was incredibly lopsided in Hilton’s favor. As the picture above shows, at the bottom, Hilton was declared the winner by 75% of the those casting a vote.

Pre debate polls showed Hilton and Republican Sheriff Chad Bianco leading the pack by a slim margin.

Bianco decided not to attend the debate in favor of a family event.

Hilton leads in fundraising: Republican Steve Hilton leads California governor fundraising as large pool of Democrats lag.

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Media Outlets Coverage of the Debate:

KTVU: California governors candidates call for ICE to be abolished in 1st debate – Seven candidates faced off as KTVU Fox 2 aired California’s first statewide gubernatorial debate of the year

LA Times: Tax billionaires, cut rents and other takeaways from California’s first gubernatorial debate

NY Post: Steve Hilton blasts GOP rival Bianco for taking a knee during BLM riots at CA gov debate