California’s messy race for governor snapped into focus Tuesday night when a crowded, combative field of candidates was asked to sum up Gov. Gavin Newsom’s tenure in just one word.
The debate, broadcast live on CNN, featured seven contenders still jockeying for position in a race with no clear frontrunner, as clashes over taxes, gas prices and immigration dominated the stage.
But one of the night’s most revealing moments came when moderators posed a simple question:
“What is one word you would use to describe Gov. Newsom’s performance as governor?”
Villaraigosa: “Performative”
Porter: “Bold”
Steyer: “Progressive”
Hilton: “Failed”
Bianco: “Failure”
Becerra: “Game-changing”
Mahan: “Incomplete”
The blunt exercise exposed deep divisions — not just between parties, but with the candidates.
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s “performative” swipe suggested frustration with what critics see as headline-grabbing leadership, while former Rep. Katie Porter and billionaire Tom Steyer offered more favorable takes, pointing to Newsom’s aggressive liberal agenda.
Republicans, meanwhile, didn’t mince words. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and media figure Steve Hilton hammered the governor with near-identical condemnations.
Even some Democrats appeared lukewarm. Former federal official Xavier Becerra praised Newsom as “game-changing,” but San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan’s “incomplete” hinted at unfinished business in a state still struggling with affordability and homelessness.
In a state facing mounting challenges, Newsom’s legacy — like the race to replace him — remains very much up for debate.
