Eight candidates have confirmed their participation in what will be the most inclusive debate of the 2026 race for California governor.
Those scheduled to appear at Pomona College’s historic Bridges Auditorium on Tuesday, April 28, are Xavier Becerra (D), Chad Bianco (R), Steve Hilton (R), Matt Mahan (D), Katie Porter (D), Tom Steyer (D), Tony Thurmond (D) and Antonio Villaraigosa (D).
Betty Yee (D), who initially accepted, later dropped out of the race.
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.
Scheduled for 5:30 p.m., the nonpartisan debate will provide a unique opportunity for voters to consider the perspectives of the leading candidates on such issues as affordability, environmental policy and immigration.
Sara Sadhwani, assistant professor of politics, will join CBS News California journalists as a moderator. For the past several weeks, she has participated in a weekly roundtable with co-moderators Julie Watts and CBS LA Political Reporter Tom Wait.