Awkward moment Dem California gov. candidates squirm when asked to grade Gavin Newsom

A Wednesday night debate for California’s wide-open governor’s race didn’t appear to shake up the election — but it did reveal how awkward the Democratic challengers can be when asked about Gov. Gavin Newsom.

At one point, moderators asked the four Democrats and two Republicans on stage to grade Newsom on his efforts to tackle the state’s homelessness crisis and whether they’d do anything differently.

Several gave mealy-mouthed answers while trying not offend the governor, who said earlier in the day that he planned to watch the debate. Newsom has said he won’t endorse anyone in the race.

Democrat San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan refused to give any grade at first, before the moderators pressed him for a response.

He ultimately said he would give Newsom a “B” for his efforts on homelessness, before noting that he would “give all of us” a “D” for implementation, seemingly trying to avoid blaming only Newsom.

Democrat ex-Rep. Katie Porter bragged that she was a “notoriously tough grader” before also giving Newsom a “B,” earning a jab from Republican candidate Steve Hilton on the debate stage.

“Wow! I’d love to be in your class, Katie, if you get a ‘B’ for what Gavin Newsom’s done on homelessness,” Hilton exclaimed. “My goodness.”

Progressive billionaire Tom Steyer, who made headlines for refusing to grade Newsom during a past interview, gave Newsom a “B-“.

Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra — who has seen a recent surge in the polls — offered Newsom the highest marks on homelessness by giving him an “A” grade.

The Democrat, who appears likely to pick up support from political operatives in Newsom’s orbit, did add that it was important to track the use of anti-homelessness funding was going.

Unsurprisingly, the Republican candidates delivered brutal assessments of Newsom’s performance.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco described the homelessness crisis as a drug and mental health issue that Newsom has failed to solve.

“Every single bit of the money going to nonprofits and NGOs for homelessness ends the day I take over, and a small portion of that will go to the funding of the drug and alcohol centers that they need, the mental health centers that they need,” he said.

Hilton was more direct, saying Newsom’s efforts amounted to a “failure.”

The dance that Democrats appear to be doing could be attributed to the governor’s majority approval rating from Californians, even if his disapproval rating hit a high of 45% in February.

And while not expected, an endorsement from Newsom in the race could significantly sway the race.

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