California governor race heats up as Becerra and Hilton clash on CNN

Steve Hilton came ready to rumble Wednesday night, invoking a notorious Washington insult by reminding voters that Xavier Becerra had been called a “Bitch-ass” by a former Biden administration official — setting a fiery tone as Becerra found himself defending his record from the opening exchanges of California’s lone scheduled gubernatorial debateThe Republican challenger repeatedly put Becerra on the defensive over taxes, government red tape and his record as attorney general, while the Democratic front-runner countered with attacks on Hilton’s tax plan and ties to President Donald Trump.“Thank you to CNN for bringing Xavier Becerra out of hiding,” Hilton said.Hilton used the CNN stage to hammer Becerra over what he portrayed as a lack of action during his time as the state’s top law-enforcement official.“When you were there as Attorney General, you did nothing,” he said.“You did nothing.”The clash quickly turned to money.

Hilton backed eliminating taxes on the first $150,000 and scrapping the gas tax, while Becerra argued that tax cuts would hurt working people.Hilton countered that the plan would cut taxes for both working Californians and wealthier residents, whom he said create jobs.Becerra instead branded the proposal “Trump tax cuts” and warned, “You’re going to end up giving the wealthiest Californians a 40% tax break.”Becerra also said he did not want Wall Street to have an easier time affording homes than California teachers.Then came one of the night’s sharpest exchanges.

After Becerra argued against repeating policies he believes produce poor results, Hilton fired back: “Yes, like voting Democrat.”The candidates also clashed over artificial intelligence, with Hilton calling for a pause on AI in California classrooms.Becerra highlighted his lawsuits against Google and Meta.“And I will continue to do so as governor,” Becerra said.Hilton then challenged Becerra to name something he had done to reduce red tape.

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