California candidates faced off Tuesday night in the fourth major gubernatorial debate of the year. Here are the top 10 standout moments of the night. On Gas Prices:   Lightning Round: Each candidate said “yes” or “no” to a gas tax. RNCResearch: MODERATOR: California has the highest gas prices in the nation, would you suspend the gas tax?Xavier Becerra says no.STEYER: NoPORTER: No pic.twitter.com/D0fsDQ4IKa— Republican Women of Mercer County (@RWOMC) April 29, 2026 Katie Porter interrupted Tom Steyer, accusing him of hypocrisy, alleging that he benefited from fossil fuel investments as he argued that fossil fuels are part of why the Palisades fires are so bad. Progressive Democratic candidate Tom Steyer told moderator Julie Watts he believed that California's high gas prices should be blamed on oil companies and the war with Iran during Tuesday’s gubernatorial debate. pic.twitter.com/SDnc42sWb3— CBS LA (@CBSLosAngeles) April 29, 2026 Tom Steyer says the war in Iran has driven up gas prices, leading to extraordinary profits for oil companies and high costs for Californians at the pump. Progressive Democratic candidate Tom Steyer told moderator Julie Watts he believed that California's high gas prices should be blamed on oil companies and the war with Iran during Tuesday’s gubernatorial debate. pic.twitter.com/SDnc42sWb3— CBS LA (@CBSLosAngeles) April 29, 2026 On Fire Management:  Steve Hilton accuses former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra of not knowing what a state of emergency is, saying, “We can’t have a governor who doesn’t understand how the government works.” Becerra hit back, calling Hilton a “talking head.” We don’t need a talking head from Fox News to run our state. I'm the only candidate who has declared a State of Emergency. pic.twitter.com/gCbnGLOls9— Xavier Becerra (@XavierBecerra) April 29, 2026 Chad Bianco criticizes Democrats for their mismanagement of the Palisades fires. “The insurance companies left because the insurance companies can’t be forced into bankruptcy by the state. They told the state. It wasn’t global warming. Stop believing that. It was a failed environmental policy that doesn’t allow fire departments to prevent defensible space… pic.twitter.com/O7onDAREHp— Insurrection Barbie (@DefiyantlyFree) April 29, 2026 On Housing Affordability: Bianco says, “We have a group of 20-year-old kids here, and we’re lying to them,” in reference to his claim that college-aged Californians won’t be able to afford living in the state. “If you want Socialism, go somewhere else” I agree. No more lying to our future leaders. Vote for the Sheriff, @ChadBianco, if you want REAL Change! pic.twitter.com/2tMBIPhukp— SuperBasedInCali (@SuperBasedInCa) April 29, 2026 On Education: A student asks candidates, “What steps would you take to tackle the rising cost of education and bring jobs back to the state of California?” Pomona College student asks California Governor's candidates about the rising cost of education and lack of job opportunities for recent graduates in the state. Candidates Tony Thurmond and Antonio Villaraigosa respond.#california #cagovdebate pic.twitter.com/rk6uVrjip3— CBS LA (@CBSLosAngeles) April 29, 2026 On Homelessness:  When asked whether they would recommend mandatory treatment for homeless individuals refusing housing during a yes-or-no lightning round, candidates all responded “yes.” California Governor's Debate lightning round: Are you in favor of forcing treatment for unhoused individuals who repeatedly refuse to accept paths to long-term housing? #california #cagovdebate #cagovernor #cagov_debate pic.twitter.com/ZRkmrw03XE— CBS LA (@CBSLosAngeles) April 29, 2026 Steve Hilton says his goal is to “enforce the law [and] get people into drug and alcohol treatment.” He called for increased funding for the homeless in order to “treat them in mental health facilities, not jail.” The homelessness crisis in California is unacceptable and cruel!Commonsense change is what we need to solve it—enforce the law and get people the help they need! pic.twitter.com/5F4lORToE8— Steve Hilton (@SteveHiltonx) April 29, 2026 On Governance: Bianco says he’s “not scared of anything,” but then said, “But actually, I’m terrified that one of these people is going to be your next governor.” I told a reporter I’m not afraid of anything, but I was wrong. I’m scared to death one of these people will be our next governor. pic.twitter.com/En5n2fyHlG— Sheriff Chad Bianco (@ChadBianco) April 29, 2026 This debate took place just five weeks before the June primary, where Californians will vote on their top two candidates.