Next Up with Mark Halperin 2026 Starts NOW: California Governor Candidate Debate Between Steve Hilton and Stephen Cloobeck
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Nov 4, 2025 
Join Stephen Cloobeck, a self-made hospitality billionaire and Democratic candidate, and Steve Hilton, a British-born businessman and Republican contender, as they engage in a groundbreaking debate about California's future. They tackle pressing issues like the economy and education, compare energy strategies, and propose reforms for insurance and transportation. Their candid dialogue reveals innovative ideas and their unique approaches to crime policy and immigration, offering a fresh perspective on governance in the Golden State.
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Conversational Debates Reveal Candidates
- Mark Halperin argues traditional debate formats hide candidates' thinking behind podiums and timers.
- A conversational two-candidate format reveals how candidates think and leads to more informative voter decisions.
Private Sector Thrives Despite Government
- Steve Hilton says California's private-sector success exists despite, not because of, state government.
- He pins high costs and poor business climate on unions, litigation, and climate-driven regulation.
Use Natural Gas As A Transitional Energy
- Steve Hilton urges using natural gas as a pragmatic bridge while building nuclear capacity.
- He recommends running existing gas plants at higher capacity to meet near-term energy demand for industry like AI data centers.