California Democratic Candidates Gear Up for 2026 Governor Race
In a dimly lit ballroom at an airport hotel, California Democrats aimed to set themselves apart in the crowded field of candidates for the 2026 gubernatorial race.
That task proved challenging given that most current and former officials, who gathered for a forum on Sunday morning, largely agreed on key issues.
They took aim at President Trump, promised to make the state more affordable, advocate for immigrants, ensure medical benefits, and keep the state’s bullet train project on track.
Former Orange County Councilman Katie Porter had a slight advantage in recent polls, yet the field lacks a clear frontrunner in the race for the nation’s most populous state.
While there were some critical remarks aimed at former state controller Betty Yi, Porter went largely unchallenged during the discussions.
Joining them were former U.S. Secretary Xavier Becerra, public leader Tony Thurmond, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Senator Toni Atkins had planned to attend but withdrew due to illness, and first-time candidate Stephen J. Crubeck also stepped back due to scheduling conflicts.
The forum was organized by the National Coalition of Health Workers in partnership with the Los Angeles Times and Spectrum News, taking place in Los Angeles and hosted by Lisa Matthews from the Associated Press.
Senator Alex Padilla and businessman Rick Caruso have shown interest in competing for the governor’s position but have yet to make any formal announcements.
On the Republican side, two significant candidates, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton, were not included in the discussions as they didn’t complete the union’s review questionnaire.
Props 50 in the Spotlight; Race Lacks Attention
With California’s gubernatorial primary set for June 2, just eight months away, candidates vying to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom find themselves in a chaotic landscape. The race was largely stagnant until late July, when former Vice President Kamala Harris confirmed she wouldn’t run.
The candidates voiced their support for Prop. 50, a ballot measure designed to help Democrats gain control of the U.S. House by redrawing California’s congressional districts. Newsom has introduced measures aimed at countering Republican efforts to alter these districts.
“This isn’t the fight we hoped to engage in,” Yee expressed, speaking against efforts to diminish their representation in Washington.
Highlighting Immigration Backgrounds and Latino Voter Support
Throughout the forum, candidates emphasized their family backgrounds and commitment to immigrant protection in their political careers.
Thurmond, in his opening remarks, reflected on his upbringing.
“It’s going to be a challenge. My grandparents were immigrants from Jamaica and Colombia, and I’m a descendant of a slave who settled in Detroit,” he mentioned.
Becerra pointed to his endeavors to ensure undocumented individuals can access state health insurance, as well as his successful lawsuit that protected young undocumented immigrants, a case that reached the Supreme Court.
“As the son of an immigrant, I understand the feeling of exclusion,” he stated.
Becerra and Thurmond also communicated with the audience in Spanish.
Yee shared experiences of growing up with immigrant parents and siblings, recalling a light-hearted moment regarding Halloween costumes. “I embrace my identity as an immigrant’s daughter,” she said.
Divisions on Criminal Justice and Healthcare Approaches
The discussions were generally poignant, although disagreements arose when discussing Proposition 36, an anti-crime measure set for a 2024 vote that proposes stricter penalties for repeated thefts and drug offenses.
This topic had showcased a significant divide among California Democrats, particularly highlighting disagreements over the 2014 Criminal Justice Reform Voting Act. Many progressive groups, including the ACLU, opposed these measures, marking a shift in the state’s approach to criminal justice.
Initially, Villaraigosa claimed he was the only one at the forum endorsing Proposition 36, but Porter and Becerra quickly clarified their support as well.
Yet Porter added that even with her backing, the measure has “realistic challenges and shortcomings” that need to be addressed. There should also be a focus on punitive measures for certain drug offenses, in her view.
Thurmond, however, distanced himself from the consensus and revealed he voted “no” on Proposition 36, reflecting on his background as a social worker. He emphasized a shift toward treatment for substance abuse rather than incarceration.
When it came to supporting a single-payer healthcare system, Becerra, Yi, and Thurmond raised their hands, while Porter and Villaraigosa did not.
The Urgent Need for More Housing
The issue of housing affordability resonates deeply with many Californians.
Thurmond proposed building two million housing units on surplus land at school sites statewide, aiming to offer tax deductions to middle-class families.
Villaraigosa criticized bureaucratic red tape and extensive approval processes, highlighting the urgency to build more homes.
He also noted the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) received criticism for contributing to the housing crisis, although Democrats had previously defended it. In recent years, as the housing crisis has intensified, even Newsom has sought to amend the act.
Porter declared that if she were governor, she would support SB 79, a significant housing bill designed to supersede local zoning laws to encourage high-density housing close to transit hubs. This controversial bill, which could reshape suburban areas within half a mile, is currently awaiting Newsom’s signature or veto.
