In a first for Pomona College, the top candidates for California governor will participate in a live debate Tuesday, April 28, at the historic Bridges Auditorium.
Scheduled for five days before primary election ballots are mailed to California voters, the nonpartisan debate will provide a unique opportunity for community members to consider the perspectives of the leading candidates. Participants will be invited based on polling and fundraising for both political parties.
A finalized list of invitees is expected in the coming weeks.
Sara Sadhwani, assistant professor of politics, will join CBS California journalists as a moderator for the debate. Pomona students, meanwhile, will assume various responsibilities leading up to, during and after the production.
“This is an incredible opportunity for students to see their college at the center of dialogue—not just for Southern California, but for the entire state,” Sadhwani says. “To see and engage with candidates firsthand is a rarity, especially in a state as large as California.”
“Few students have the opportunity to witness the electoral process this closely.”
With partners CBS News California and Asian Pacific American Public Affairs (APAPA), Pomona College will host students, faculty, staff, city and county leaders, distinguished guests and elected officials.
Civic engagement and active participation in the democratic process are fundamental to Pomona College’s mission and identity, President G. Gabrielle Starr says.
“We look forward to bringing this timely and important event to Pomona,” Starr adds, “and continue to encourage everyone to engage in shaping the political life of our state and nation.”
