California governor candidates face off

The debate, hosted by Nexstar Media, featured a mix of Democratic and Republican hopefuls seeking to define themselves in a chaotic and leaderless race.

Democratic frontrunner Xavier Becerra faced sharp attacks over his ties to a recent corruption scandal, while Republican Chad Bianco positioned himself as a law-and-order alternative.

Candidates also addressed the controversial 'Butterfly Bridge' project and the state's ongoing budget deficit.

With the primary election approaching, the event provided a pivotal moment for voters to compare the candidates' uninterrupted responses to key policy questions.