Becerra and Hilton clash over taxes and AI in California governor debate

Becerra and Hilton battle over tax plans, AI regulation in California debate

California’s gubernatorial candidates, Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra and Republican challenger Steve Hilton, faced off in a heated debate over taxes, artificial intelligence, and immigration, with each presenting starkly different visions for the state’s future. The hour-long showdown, held Wednesday at CNN’s Burbank studio, marked the likely only major debate before the November 3 election, as both candidates sought to define their positions amid a deeply polarized political landscape.

Hilton, a former Fox News host endorsed by former President Donald Trump, positioned himself as a reformer challenging California’s “bloated, badly-run” government. He proposed eliminating the state income tax on the first $150,000 of annual earnings and capping government fees for construction projects at $50,000. Becerra, a former U.S. Health and Human Services secretary and California attorney general, dismissed these plans as favoring the wealthy and questioned their financial viability. “This isn’t about helping the middle class,” Becerra said, citing his own legal action against a city for failing to meet housing requirements.

AI and immigration dominate contentious exchanges

The debate turned sharply contentious during discussions of artificial intelligence, with Hilton calling for immediate restrictions on AI use in schools and emphasizing safety as a priority. “The priority for these companies is safety,” he said, though he did not clarify whether he supported industry self-regulation. Becerra countered by advocating for community-specific assessments of data center projects, a stance he linked to California’s environmental and economic interests.

Immigration policies became a flashpoint, with Becerra repeatedly tying Hilton to Trump’s agenda. “You can hear Donald Trump in that response,” he said after Hilton declined to directly condemn Trump’s 2016 border policies. Hilton, who grew up in England and served as an adviser to former UK Prime Minister David Cameron, denied aligning with Trump, but his comments on immigration drew sharp rebukes. Becerra accused him of wanting to “deport immigrants who look like me,” a charge Hilton called “disgraceful.”

Hilton also criticized Becerra’s record on migrant children processed by the Department of Health and Human Services during the Biden administration, citing a New York Times investigation into shelter conditions. Becerra dismissed the claims as “Trump talking points,” asserting that his policies had improved the system.

Cost of living and campaign strategies shape the race

Both candidates addressed California’s soaring cost of living, with Hilton vowing to cut gasoline prices to $3 a gallon and reduce utility bills by half. Becerra, meanwhile, highlighted his experience in government, including his 35 years in state and federal roles, to argue for stability. “The governor’s office is not a place with training wheels,” he said, contrasting his record with Hilton’s lack of elected experience.

Hilton, who has relied on Trump’s endorsement to consolidate conservative support, faced challenges in distancing himself from the president’s unpopularity in the state. Recent polls show Becerra with a significant lead, though Hilton has sought to energize voters frustrated with Democratic governance. The debate occurred as mail ballots began arriving, with both candidates racing to shape narratives ahead of the general election.

The debate underscored the stark divides between the candidates, with Becerra leveraging his extensive government experience and Hilton positioning himself as a challenger to California’s political establishment. As Election Day approaches, both will seek to solidify their bases ahead of a race that could reshape the state’s political trajectory.