Eight hopefuls took the Pomona College stage Tuesday, a week before mailed ballots reach California statewide voters. With the early June primary looming, the CBS‑Asian Pacific American Public Affairs forum forced a crowded field to carve distinct narratives. Three Democrats—Tom Steyer, Xavier Becerra and Katie Porter—joined two Republican front‑runners, Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco, each vying for the top two slots that advance to November.

Becerra became the night’s primary target after a surge following Eric Swalwell’s exit. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan accused him of mishandling pandemic and migrant‑child responses, while Hilton challenged his claim to freeze homeowners’ insurance. In a post‑debate interview, Becerra defended his health‑secretary record, insisting the criticism reflects the high‑stakes scramble for voter attention.

Steyer dominated the fiscal discussion, proposing a $22 billion windfall‑profits tax on oil firms and elimination of a corporate‑property tax exemption to fund single‑payer health care and teacher salaries. Republicans Bianco and Hilton largely agreed on suspending the gas tax, while Porter appealed to parents with free‑child‑care and tuition‑free college plans. Voters now face a chaotic tableau as the primary deadline approaches.