California Governor’s Debate Highlights Housing and Homelessness Priorities

California’s November midterm elections are approaching, with Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra and Republican candidate Steve Hilton engaging in a heated debate on September 30. The discussion centered on key issues such as housing, homelessness, and the state’s economic future. Both candidates presented contrasting visions for California, with Hilton framing himself as a “change agent” and Becerra emphasizing his experience as a former California Attorney General and member of Biden’s cabinet.

Hilton criticized the current leadership, accusing the state government of stifling development. He claimed, “We can cultivate, build, manufacture, and invent anything, but this spirit is being suffocated by a bloated, dysfunctional bureaucracy, and Becerra is a member of that government.” Becerra responded by questioning Hilton’s qualifications, stating, “We must fight for the California Dream, but you can’t achieve this with someone who has never held public office and has never balanced a government budget.”

The debate was marked by tension, with Hilton accusing Becerra of being “almost invisible in public appearances” since the primary. Becerra, in turn, highlighted his public service, including his role as California Attorney General and his work in the Biden administration. He stated, “During my time as a member of Congress, I helped create millions of jobs and defended the various protections for California residents.”

Hilton, who received support from President Trump, focused on reducing government spending to benefit residents. He argued that cutting government expenditure would allow residents to retain more of their income. “The fastest way to make people’s pockets fuller is for the government to take less money,” he said, suggesting the cancellation of the California high-speed rail project as a funding source.

Both candidates were also questioned about artificial intelligence and data center development, topics of growing national interest. Becerra emphasized the importance of ensuring that such projects benefit local communities, stating, “If this doesn’t benefit the local community, if they don’t see it as an investment in their community, and if what you are doing is just taking their energy, power, and water resources, then this is not a good

[Source excerpt truncated for local AI.]

Source: Read the original report (translated from Mandarin Chinese)