What to KnowCandidates seeking to become the next California governor and the next Los Angeles mayor met Wednesday night in a debate double-header hosted by NBCLA and Telemundo 52.Wildfires, immigration, homelessness, public safety and quality of life were the topics.A pivotal statewide June 2 primary election will determine who faces off in the November election. The top-two candidates advance to a runoff in November.The last day to register to vote for the June 2 primary election is May 18.

Top-polling candidates for Los Angeles mayor and California governor had an opportunity Wednesday night to convince voters that they deserve their vote as the best fit for crucial roles in shaping the future of the city and state.

Wildfires, immigration, homelessness, public safety and quality of life were the topics placed before the three candidates for mayor and the five Democrats and two Republicans running for governor of the nation’s most populous state.

The mayoral debate featured incumbent Karen Bass and two challengers, former reality TV star Spencer Pratt and Councilmember Nithya Raman.

The gubernatorial candidates on the debate stage were former U.S. Health secretary, former state attorney general Xavier Becerra (D); Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco (R); former adviser to UK PM and Fox News host Steve Hilton (R); San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan (D); former member of Congress Katie Porter (D); environmental advocate and investor Tom Steyer (D); and former Assembly Speaker and LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (D)

The conversation about what’s next for Los Angeles and California came about a month before the pivotal statewide June 2 primary election, which will determine who faces off in the November election. The top-two candidates advance to a runoff in November.

Here’s some of the reaction from viewers.

Did the debate for mayor change your mind?

Of the more than 2,000 responses received by Thursday morning, about 1,470 (73%) said no, but nearly 460 respondents (23%) said yes, what they heard convinced them to shift their support.

Four percent of respondents said they’re still undecided.

NBCLA also asked viewers to send us their general reaction to the debate. Here are samples of the nearly 200 responses.

“Pratt was surprisingly good and I thought he would be an unserious bro, but his grief that everyone is making fun of is actually real. It was clear that Bass and Raman are the unserious ones about improving the quality of life for citizens of LA. Pratt won my vote.”
–Sonya from Chatsworth

“Spencer Pratt, with the little experience he has, surprisingly outperformed Bass and Raman, whiich really says a lot about their inability to lead. He is new to politics, they have been years and years in politics and in charge. Yet, the policies they propose they haven’t done. Pratt shows he is a person of action. Bass and Raman show they are inept.”
–Jim from Los Angeles

While some audience members say they were put off by the fireworks between the candidates in both debates, others say it helped them make up their minds. Mekahlo Medina reports for the NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

“Keep Mayor Bass! That’s all I have to say.”
–Angie from Wilmington

“I thought Mr Pratt was unqualified to be our mayor. I felt Councilwoman Raman would be unable to bring her City Council members together to help lead the city. I decided tonight that I’d vote for Mayor Bass. She has by no means been perfect but I think she is the best candidate to move out City forward for the next 4 years.”
–Candace from Los Angeles

“Spencer Pratt is not qualified to be Mayor. Please no more childish celebrities for serious public offices.”
–Arthur from Los Angeles

“Spencer Pratt showed his grasp of the issues. We know his heart is in the right place, and we know that Bass and Nithya have their hearts in the very wrong place.”
–Scott from Los Angeles

“I really appreciate Nithya Ramen more than I thought. She definitely deserves to be on the November ballot. She has my vote now.”
–Pamela from Northridge

“Spencer Pratt held his composure. Bass couldn’t articulate how she would do anything different and Raman was flustered with the questions.”
–Charles from West Hills

“It was not productive at all. What I heard were ‘wishes’ and the candidates’ views/opinions. Most of the time, concrete solutions were not provided. I understand that everyone agrees downtown needs to be cleaned up and revitalized, but I didn’t come away with any solutions except that ‘Sacramento has to support us.'”
–Lorelei from Westlake Village

Did the debate for governor change your mind?

In the debate among candidates seeking to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, 63% of respondents in NBCLA’s online poll said the discussion did not change their minds with %17 saying they plan to change their vote.

Twenty percent of the nearly 630 respondents — as of early Thursday morning — remained undecided.

Below, a sample of viewer responses to the debate for governor.

“I liked the boldness of Tom Steyer.”
–Shirley from Sacramento

“I felt Steve Hilton was very direct with his intentions with the state and that truly spoke to me and showed that his confidence is truly high. I can see him leading our state to the golden age once again!”
–Rudy from Monrovia

The candidates vying to serve as California’s next governor share their plan on how to make housing more affordable across the state.

“I thought Katie Porter handled herself well particularly the answer on housing and homelessness Name calling turns me off. If you don’t know how to conduct yourself and it’s the only thing you have to offer on any given topic, then you don’t deserve my vote.”
–Andrea from Temecula

“Steve Hilton did a phenomenal job. He wasn’t my first pick, but after this debate, he is my only pick. The way he speaks about Los Angeles is the care for the city that we need. Hilton’s love for Los Angeles shows. We need someone to come in and clean it up. Someone who respects and knows the cities worth. People come from all around the world to live here, in LA. It’s a special city with a special community and Steve Hilton sees that.”
–Alexis from Santa Monica

“We need change. We have had the same Democrats representing us for decades and they have never made any problems we face here better, to the contrary they’ve made them worse. I was undecided before this debate but I’ll be voting Pratt for Mayor. For governor, I’ll be voting Republican. Not sure if Bianco or Hilton.
–Alex from Los Angeles

“Bianco looks so angry. Hilton always looks very smiley. I won’t vote for them. Becerra is my number one choice, then Porter, then Steyer, but I will vote for the Democrat leading the polls when I cast my ballot.”
–Karin from Winnetka

“Why the heck does Becerra continue to blame President Trump for his/CA’s failures? Democrats have absolutely destroyed this state, just as Hilton and Bianco have stated. They’ve had one party rule! Becerra needs to take accountability and stop blaming Trump!”
–Jon from Woodland Hills

“I still think Matt Mahan is underrated. He continues to be the best debater. Steyer and Becerra are painful to listen to, and if I hear Porter talk about her minivan again, I’m going to lose it.”
–Lauren from Palo Alto

“After watching tonight’s governor debate, I don’t want to vote for any of them. All of them speaking over one another, acting like children, it was sad. I am so disappointed in these candidates.”
–Stephanie from Santa Clarita