Seven candidates for California governor trade sharp, contentious attacks in a debate held Tuesday while vote-by-mail is already underway. In a wide-ranging exchange, the candidates address issues including gas prices and taxation, with some arguing for different approaches to cost-of-living pressures. The debate also includes discussion of immigration and healthcare, reflecting the broad policy differences among the candidates. Both outlets describe a race without a clear frontrunner, with the candidates using the forum to challenge one another’s records and proposals. The tone is characterized as testy, with participants directly confronting opposing views rather than focusing only on general themes. The debate occurs as California voters are already casting ballots by mail, setting the stage for a campaign environment in which late messaging may compete with votes already submitted. Overall, the accounts emphasize the high level of disagreement across candidates and the absence of a definitive leader entering the final stretch.