Key insights from California's first gubernatorial debate since Kamala Harris' exit announcement

A Crowded Field for California Governor in 2026

In a dimly lit ballroom of an airport hotel, a group of California Democrats gathered to showcase their vision for the state's future as they compete for the governor’s seat in 2026. The event, held in Los Angeles, brought together a mix of current and former elected officials, all vying for attention in a race that has yet to produce a clear frontrunner.

Despite the crowded field, the candidates largely agreed on major issues, with differences often appearing in the margins. They all pledged to challenge the policies of President Trump, address the rising cost of living, protect immigrants, and maintain the state’s over-budget bullet train project. However, the competition remains fierce, with many candidates trying to stand out from the rest.

Key Players and Their Positions

Among the candidates present at the forum were former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Also in attendance was former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter, who has maintained a slight lead in recent polls.

However, not all candidates made it to the event. State Sen. Toni Atkins had to withdraw due to illness, while wealthy political newcomer Stephen J. Cloobeck left because of a scheduling conflict. The forum was organized by the National Union of Healthcare Workers in partnership with the Los Angeles Times and Spectrum News, and it was moderated by Lisa Matthews of the Associated Press.

The Role of Proposition 50

As the June 2 gubernatorial primary approaches, the race for California governor is becoming increasingly competitive. The presence of two major Republican candidates—Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton—adds another layer of complexity. However, neither of them was invited to the debate, as they did not complete the required endorsement questionnaire from the union.

Proposition 50, a ballot measure aimed at redrawing congressional districts to help Democrats gain more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, has been a central topic among the candidates. Most of them expressed support for the initiative, which was backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. This move is seen as a response to efforts by Republican-led states to reshape their districts to maintain control of Congress.

Focusing on Immigrant Backgrounds and Latino Voters

Many of the candidates highlighted their immigrant heritage during the forum, emphasizing their commitment to protecting immigrants and advocating for their rights. Tony Thurmond spoke about his upbringing, mentioning that his grandparents came from Colombia and Jamaica, and that he is the descendant of slaves who settled in Detroit. Xavier Becerra shared his personal connection to immigration, citing his support for undocumented individuals to access healthcare and his work on a Supreme Court case involving young undocumented immigrants.

Betty Yee, the former state controller, also discussed her background, sharing how she grew up in a home with her immigrant parents and siblings. During a quick-fire question about Halloween costumes, she responded with "my authentic self as a daughter of immigrants."

Diverging Views on Criminal Justice and Healthcare

While the debate remained largely cordial, some disagreements emerged when discussing criminal justice reform. Proposition 36, a 2024 anti-crime measure that imposed stricter penalties for repeat theft and crimes involving fentanyl, sparked some tension. Although most candidates supported the measure, some raised concerns about its effectiveness. Katie Porter pointed out that the measure had "very real problems" and emphasized the need for prevention rather than incarceration.

Tony Thurmond took a different stance, voting against Proposition 36 and highlighting his experience as a social worker. He argued that the measure would not effectively address substance abuse issues and instead advocated for increased funding for treatment programs and diversion initiatives.

When asked about their support for a single-payer healthcare system, Porter and Villaraigosa did not express support, while Becerra, Yee, and Thurmond did.

Addressing Housing Affordability

Affordability, particularly in housing, remains a top priority for many Californians. Tony Thurmond proposed building two million housing units on surplus land near schools and offering tax breaks to middle-class families. Antonio Villaraigosa focused on reducing bureaucratic hurdles and streamlining the permitting process for new developments.

Villaraigosa also criticized the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a law that has long been a cornerstone of environmental protection in the state. Recent efforts by Gov. Newsom to overhaul CEQA have signaled a shift in how the law is viewed, especially as the housing crisis worsens.

Katie Porter, if elected, plans to sign SB 79, a controversial bill that would allow for high-density housing near transit hubs. The bill, which could transform single-family neighborhoods, is currently awaiting Newsom’s decision.

Conclusion

The 2026 California governor race is shaping up to be a highly competitive and diverse contest. With a wide range of candidates, each bringing unique perspectives and priorities, the race will likely continue to evolve as the primary approaches. The focus on issues such as immigration, criminal justice reform, and housing affordability will play a critical role in determining the next leader of the state.