2026 California Gubernatorial Debate at Pomona College Frequently Asked Questions

The debate is nonpartisan. There is an open primary in California, so any two candidates can advance to November’s midterm election. Candidates invited to attend the debate will be chosen on transparent criteria set by Asian Pacific American Public Affairs (APAPA).

We anticipate that this gubernatorial debate will include a full spectrum of opinions, and Pomona is thrilled to provide the community a forum where people can participate no matter their party affiliation.

Yes! That process closed on April 8. Selected students will be notified shortly.

The College is neutral in matters of politics. We are thrilled to host an open primary debate where a full spectrum of opinions will be represented. Such dialogue is consistent with our liberal arts values.

Nine candidates vying to become the next governor of California have been invited to a gubernatorial debate at Pomona College Tuesday, April 28. To date, the debate is the most inclusive and has the largest confirmed participants on a live stage.

Eight of the nine invited candidates have confirmed their participation as of the morning of April 20: Xavier Becerra (D), Chad Bianco (R), Steve Hilton (R), Matt Mahan (D), Tom Steyer (D), Tony Thurmond (D), Antonio Villaraigosa (D) and Betty Yee (D).

All candidates with active campaigns, who are listed on the ballot and had at least 1% support in both the Emerson College and LA Times/UC Berkeley polls were invited to participate in the debate. Asian Pacific American Public Affairs (APAPA) ran the selection process, in partnership with CBS and Pomona College.

CBS News California and APAPA advanced a world-class creative vision, partnered collaboratively with the College, and positioned Pomona for significant local and statewide visibility. We’re grateful for their partnership in producing this world-class event on our campus.

Viewers are encouraged to tune in live or stream the debate on CBSLA.com, CBSSacramento.com and KPIX.com. Highlights and post-debate coverage will also be available across CBS California stations and partners’ digital and social media platforms.

The event is a closed production and will not be open to the general public. Pomona as the host institution has a limited number of seats we can make available to our community. This number is limited by the scale of the production.

We have a limited number of spots for our community and are working with ASPC, Faculty Executive Committee (FEC) and Staff Council to allocate available seats. The deadline to submit an application for tickets closed on April 8.

ASPC, working closely with our student chapter of the League of Women Voters, is hosting a watch party—as well as other supplemental programming for students.

Viewers are encouraged to tune in live or stream the debate on CBSLA.com, CBSSacramento.com and KPIX.com.

If you are selected to receive a ticket but cannot attend the event, please email the College Events team at PomonaEvents@pomona.edu immediately so that your ticket can be reallocated. Tickets are non-transferrable. Attendees will be required to show government-issued photo identification to confirm identity at the auditorium entrance; Pomona College students, faculty and staff can show their College ID.

Audience members will be asked to remain in their seats for approximately two hours. If you must leave due to extenuating circumstances, you will not be allowed to re-enter the auditorium.

Yes. Frary Dining Hall will be open for regular dining service on April 28. ASPC will offer parallel and additional debate programming alongside Pomona’s student chapter of the League of Women Voters.