Dems launch cutting attack on Gavin Newsom’s record on crime, homelessness during governor debate

California’s gubernatorial candidates pounced on lefty Gov. Gavin Newsom’s record regarding homelessness and crime during Tuesday night’s debate.

Six Democrats and a lone Republican, former Fox New host Steve Hilton, took the stage at San Francisco’s Bayview Opera House for the televised face-off — and did not pull punches in attacking Newsom’s policies.

“We spent $24 billion at the state [level], along with billions more from the counties and the cities throughout the state, and homelessness went on,” candidate and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said. “We cannot be afraid to look in the mirror.”

“We need to invite strict accountability over every dollar that we spend on our programs,” former state controller Betty Yee said. “It’s your money… Where are we getting results? That $24 billion, there wasn’t even a conversation between the state and the counties and the cities that all had a hand on that money.”

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a moderate who disrupted the Democratic field last week with his late entry into the race, said he’s tired of seeing it take as long as six years to build housing projects to get people off the streets.

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“We don’t have that kind of time to wait. We have thousands of people literally out on our streets, many dying, thousands dying per year,” he said of the delayed projects.

The candidates agreed that many Californians are being pushed into homelessness due to the lack of affordable housing and rising costs of living.

Candidate Xavier Becerra, former US Secretary of Health and Human Services, said he would stabilize rents and freeze utility and home insurance costs “until we find out why they’re increasing.”

California’s Superintendent of Schools Tony Thurmond vowed to raise taxes on billionaires and create tax credits to help families afford the high cost of living.

Republican Hilton blamed skyrocketing costs on policies launched by Democrats, who have been running the state for the last 16 years: “Who else is there to blame?” he said.

Billionaire hedge fund founder-turned-climate activist Tom Steyer said he favors rent control.

All the candidates in attendance, including Hilton, showed support for Proposition 36, which increased penalties for repeat drug and theft offenders and passed overwhelmingly in 2024 despite opposition from Newsom.

They were in favor of the bill’s “treatment-mandated felony” that allows a person to have their drug conviction set aside if they complete a stint in rehab.

There was also push-back against Newsom’s campaign to phase out the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035, which has been criticized as being unaffordable for working families.

Mahan said he would only support the measure “if the technology is there so it doesn’t increase costs for middle class.”

Hilton said there’s no chance he would back Newsom’s EV fight.

“No, we’re sick of being bossed around. I want you to drive the car that you want.”