CNN will host California gubernatorial primary debate in May
Noe PadillaCNN will bring California politics to the national stage with a two-hour gubernatorial primary debate in Los Angeles next month.
The debate will be held on May 5 at 6 p.m. PT and will be moderated by anchors Elex Michaelson and Kaitlan Collins, with the network saying it hopes to provide voters with an opportunity to learn about the candidates in the final stretch ahead of the state's June primary.
The debate will give "voters a critical opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking to lead the most populous state in the nation," according to CNN's press release.
Leading up to CNN's gubernatorial debate, California voters have had few opportunities to learn about the top candidates currently vying for the gubernatorial seat, ultimately leaving many unenthusiastic about who they will vote for in the state's June 2 primary.
The Democratic party could face a nightmare scenario in California, where polling shows Republicans Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton leading the pack. The state's liberal majority is split among eight Democratic contenders.
Notably, the last California gubernatorial primary debate hosted by USC was canceled at the last minute amid controversy over whether it intentionally excluded candidates of color.
Who will be participating in CNN governor debate?
In order to participate in CNN's California gubernatorial primary debate, candidates must meet several requirements; notably, they must have at least 3% support among likely primary voters in two California gubernatorial polls or at least 3% support in two state gubernatorial polls conducted by polling organizations that meet CNN's standards. The polls must be released between February 1 and April 27.
In addition, candidates must have raised at least $1 million for their gubernatorial campaign to qualify.
As of April 6, eight candidates have met the requirement to participate in the debate, according to CNN.
That includes both Republicans — Bianco, the Riverside County sheriff, and Hilton, a former Fox News host who was recently endorsed by President Donald Trump. The six Democrats who've qualified are: Eric Swalwell, a Democratic representative; Katie Porter, a former representative; Tom Steyer, a former presidential candidate; Xavier Becerra, former Secretary of Health and Human Services; Matt Mahan, mayor of San Jose; and Antonio Villaraigosa, former Los Angeles mayor.
Two top Democratic candidates who have not yet qualified for the governor's debate are Tony Thurmond, state superintendent of public instruction, and Betty Yee, a former state controller, who in recent polls share about 1%.
"The eligibility window to receive an invitation to the debate will close on April 27," according to CNN.
The debate will air live on CNN, CNN International and CNN en Español, and streaming for subscribers.
Noe Padilla is a Northern California Reporter for USA Today. Contact him at [email protected], follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social.