Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton is attempting to shape California’s governor’s race before it fully takes form by making televised debates an early campaign issue, challenging Democratic frontrunner Xavier Becerra to meet him on stage as the candidates begin defining their campaigns.

Hilton has repeatedly called on Becerra to participate in televised debates, arguing voters have a right to hear directly from both candidates. The public push comes as Hilton seeks to raise his profile in a race where Becerra enters as the better-known Democrat and early frontrunner.

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