Hilton vs. Becerra: Top 3 Moments from the California Governor Debate (Videos)

Angelina Delfin : Oct 1, 2026
Daily Signal

"I cannot believe you’re standing there trying to make these arguments when you were HHS Secretary–you sent thousands of children directly into the clutches of child sex and labor traffickers." -Steve Hilton to Xavier Becerra

[DailySignal.com] Affordability, immigration, and, of course, plenty of Trump. (Screengrab image: via CNN)

Here are the biggest moments from Wednesday night's California gubernatorial debate.

#1: 'Trump, Trump, Trump'

When asked about how he'd address affordability in the most expensive state in the country, Republican Steve Hilton brought up his plan to eliminate state income taxes on the first $150,000 Californians make and pledged to bring gas down to $3 a gallon.

Democrat Xavier Becerra pushed back, repeatedly tying Hilton's proposals to President Donald Trump, calling them "Trump tax cuts."

But Hilton fired back, accusing Becerra of using Trump to deflect from California's problems.

"You've got no solutions whatsoever. So all you've got is to talk about federal politics. All you ever say is Trump, Trump, Trump."

#2: Low Blows on Immigration and Becerra's Troubled History

On the subject of immigration, former Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra described a strong dislike of federal policies affecting California, specifically ICE deportations.

"Steve thinks it's perfect to let ICE mercenaries come on into California, and he welcomes it even though our state laws require that ICE follow federal immigration law."

Taking it a step further, and more personally, Becerra brought Hilton's own immigrant background into the exchange.

This opened the door for Hilton to hit back, citing Becerra's troubled past as HHS secretary, where he faced scrutiny for overseeing a system that left more than 319,000 children unaccounted for. (Screengrab image: via CNN)

"I cannot believe you're standing there trying to make these arguments when you were HHS Secretary–you sent thousands of children directly into the clutches of child sex and labor traffickers."

#3: Becerra's Colleague Calls Him Not-So-Nice Names

And just when you thought the debate couldn't get more interesting, Hilton suggested that despite being a career politician, Becerra might not be as qualified as he touts, bringing up what Becerra's former Biden administration adviser Susan Rice reportedly called him.

"She described you as an 'idiot.'..." Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

Click Here to watch the video clips.

Angelina Delfin is a California correspondent for the Daily Signal.