CNN said on Monday it will host a primary debate in the California gubernatorial race on May 5, hours after President Donald Trump endorsed former Fox News host Steve Hilton in his quest to run the state.
CNN anchors Kaitlan Collins and Elex Michaelson will moderate the debate in the Los Angeles area. Candidates seeking to participate must meet state candidate qualifications, have raised or contributed at least $1 million for the race and have received at least 3% support among likely primary voters in two state polls on the race by the network’s April 27 deadline. Candidates who received an average of 3% support in two polls that meet CNN’s editorial standards would also qualify.
The announcement came after Trump endorsed Hilton as his pick to run the state and succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom in November, continuing the president’s affinity for Fox News veterans in government positions.
“He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great State has gone to Hell,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Gavin Newscum and the Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job. People are fleeing, crime is increasing, and Taxes are the highest of any State in the Country, maybe the World. Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so!”
Hilton, a London-born political commentator who served as former U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron’s director of strategy, was the host of Fox News’ “The Next Revolution” from 2017 to 2023. He announced his gubernatorial run last year, and he has led multiple recent polls of the state’s crowded all-party primary.
The other major Republican contender is Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who joined the race early last year. Democrats include Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), former Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) and billionaire and former Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer, among others.
