General
Is Pomona College hosting a partisan debate?
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.
Will students be able to submit questions for the candidates?
Yes! Pomona students will have the opportunity to ask a live question during the debate. More details are available on our Get Involved page.
Will Pomona College endorse a candidate?
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.
How are candidates being selected for participation in the debate, and who is involved in that decision-making process?
Candidate selection is being led by the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs (APAPA), a nonpartisan organization, in partnership with CBS California and Pomona College. Details regarding both the candidates and the selection methodology will be shared closer to the debate.
Why did you choose CBS News California and APAPA as partners?
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.
Will the debate be live streamed?
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.
Ticketing
Is this event open to the general public?
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.
I’m a Pomona student/faculty/staff member. How can I get tickets?
We will have a limited number of spots for our community and are working with ASPC, Faculty Executive Committee (FEC) and Staff Council to determine how best to allocate available seats. If you are interested in attending the live debate in Bridges Auditorium, please complete the appropriate student interest form or faculty/staff interest form no later than April 8.
If I don’t get a ticket, how can I watch?
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. We will share updates soon.
What happens if I receive a ticket to the debate at Bridges but can’t attend?
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. Pomona College community attendees will be required to show their College ID (preferred) or government-issued photo identification, and all other attendees will need to show a government-issued photo identification, to confirm identity at the auditorium entrance.
What if I need to leave Bridges Auditorium during the event?
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.
I’m a student at one of the other Claremont Colleges. Can I join the watch party at Frary?
Yes. We are working with ASPC to provide access to the Frary watch party to students from the other Claremont Colleges. Look for more details soon.