Former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra and former Fox News host Steve Hilton participated in an hourlong debate on Wednesday, marking a significant moment in the race to succeed California Governor Gavin Newsom. The debate, hosted by CNN, covered a range of policy areas including economic strategy, immigration policy, and healthcare.

During the exchange, the candidates presented contrasting visions for the state. Hilton, who has received an endorsement from Donald Trump, utilized the platform to criticize Becerra’s campaign approach. Hilton argued that Becerra, a former congressman and Biden administration official, has been inactive on the campaign trail and is failing to engage with voters directly. The Hill reported that the two candidates frequently clashed over the influence of Donald Trump in the race, with the candidates trading barbs regarding their political associations.

In addition to the political sparring, the candidates addressed specific policy concerns. While both outlets noted the focus on immigration and the economy, they highlighted different secondary priorities. The Guardian reported that the debate also touched upon the regulation of artificial intelligence, a topic not explicitly detailed in The Hill’s summary. The debate comes at a critical time, as voters in the heavily Democratic state are scheduled to begin receiving their ballots shortly. The event remains the only scheduled debate between the two candidates, making it a pivotal moment in their efforts to sway the electorate before the voting period begins.