Is There a Televised Debate Tonight? California Senate Candidates Face Off

Is There A Televised Debate Tonight? While tonight’s debate may be over, if you’re a California voter, you might have missed a crucial opportunity to see the top contenders for the U.S. Senate seat spar on key issues. On February 28th, 2024, NBC4 and Telemundo 52 hosted the third and final televised debate between Democratic candidates Barbara Lee, Katie Porter, and Adam Schiff, and Republican candidate Steve Garvey. This debate, held at Universal Studios Hollywood, offered a last chance for candidates to connect with voters, especially Spanish-speaking Latinos, before the March 5th primary. With ballots due in just two weeks, this debate was a must-watch for anyone still undecided.

Key Takeaways from the Final California Senate Debate

The debate covered a wide range of critical issues, providing insights into where each candidate stands on topics impacting Californians. Here’s a breakdown of the key highlights:

Latino Outreach and Immigration Reform

A significant portion of Latino voters remain undecided in this race. Recognizing this, the debate directly addressed the issue of immigration reform, asking Democratic candidates why Latino voters should trust them given the party’s past failures to overhaul the system. Porter blamed inaction on her colleagues, while Lee and Schiff emphasized their track records of supporting pathways to citizenship. Garvey, the Republican candidate, criticized existing proposals for insufficient border security.

Foreign Policy and Aid to Ukraine

Candidates presented differing views on America’s global role and foreign aid. Lee, a consistent opponent of increased military spending, was the sole Democrat to openly oppose sending troops to Taiwan if attacked by China and expressed reservations about the $60 billion aid package for Ukraine. Garvey sidestepped a question about defending Trump’s foreign policy, focusing instead on national security.

Climate Change and Diablo Canyon

The debate tackled the future of the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant, slated for closure after 2030. While all Democratic candidates agreed on eventual decommissioning, Schiff advocated for considering nuclear energy as part of a broader energy strategy. Lee opposed nuclear power, and Porter highlighted her focus on new technologies to reduce hazardous waste. Garvey supported keeping Diablo Canyon open and continued use of fossil fuels.

Schiff and Porter Clash on Child Care and Campaign Finance

Schiff and Porter engaged in heated exchanges, particularly regarding child care and campaign donations. Porter criticized Schiff for not co-sponsoring specific child care bills, while Schiff countered that he authored his own legislation. The candidates also clashed over corporate contributions, with Porter highlighting her refusal of corporate PAC money and Schiff accusing Porter of accepting contributions from individuals in the oil, banking, and pharmaceutical industries. The debate also touched on the use of earmarks, with Porter criticizing the practice and Schiff defending it as essential for securing federal funding for California.

The Importance of the Debate in the California Senate Race

This final debate was a critical moment in the California Senate race. It provided voters with a clear understanding of each candidate’s positions on important issues, highlighting both their agreements and disagreements. The debate also underscored the strategic maneuvering within the Democratic field, with Schiff and Porter vying for a top-two finish in the primary.

While there isn’t a televised debate tonight related to this specific election, it’s essential to stay informed about upcoming candidate forums and events as the election draws closer. For California voters, resources like CalMatters offer valuable information on the candidates and their positions.