Kiley and Pan clash over Trump record, gas tax, Social Security in first debate
The Sacramento Bee-hosted debate between Rep. Kevin Kiley (I) and former state Sen. Richard Pan (D) for California's newly redrawn 6th Congressional District centered on records, taxes, infrastructure, and independence. Kiley emphasized his shift to independent status while highlighting Pan's 2017 vote raising California's gas tax by 12 cents per gallon and accused him of dismissing senior tax relief. Pan repeatedly tied Kiley to Trump, citing 98% voting alignment, support for the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill, and past 2020 election skepticism, while defending the gas tax for road repairs and warning of Social Security and Medicare impacts. Sourcing relied on candidates' direct records and public statements with no named outside experts or graphics beyond moderator questions. Throughline was mutual record attacks: Kiley on Sacramento-driven costs, Pan on Washington/Trump policies. The event was their first general election debate ahead of November 2026.
Source: Sacramento Bee