When’s the next California governor debate? See candidates, start time

Californians have multiple chances to tune into debates in the race for California's next governor.

The debates — which offer voters an opportunity to learn more about candidates and their positions — come less than two months before the primary election, which narrows the field to two. Already, the crowded field of Democratic candidates has shrunk with the exit of Rep. Eric Swalwell, who had emerged as one of the leading candidates. Swalwell was accused of sexual assault and misconduct and announced his resignation from Congress. In another shakeup, Republican candidate Steve Hilton was endorsed by President Donald Trump.

Here are several debates planned for the 2026 California gubernatorial election as of Wednesday, April 15.

April 22: Nexstar stations to air California governor debate

“Debate Night in California: The Race for Governor” will be broadcast statewide across Nexstar’s television stations at 7 p.m. PDT on April 22. According to Nexstar, the stations broadcasting the debate include:

• KRON4 – San Francisco
• FOX40 – Sacramento
• KSEE24/CBS47 – Fresno
• KGET – Bakersfield
• KTLA5 – Los Angeles
• FOX5/KUSI – San Diego

The debate will be simulcast by NewsNation and livestreamed by The Hill. According to NewsNation, Chad Bianco, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, and Hilton have accepted Nexstar’s invitation to participate in the debate.

April 28: California governor debate held at Pomona College

A 90-minute debate will be held at Pomona College in Claremont at 5:30 p.m. PDT on April 28. The debate is in partnership with CBS News California, the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs, and Pomona College.

CBS stations in San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Fresno will broadcast and stream the debate, according to Pomona College. People can also stream the debate on CBSLA.com, CBSSacramento.com, and KPIX.com.

According to CBS, the debate will focus on “key issues shaping the future of the state, including public safety, housing, and the economy.” Pomona College said that details about the “candidates and the selection methodology will be shared closer to the debate.”

May 5: CNN hosts California primary debate in Los Angeles area

“A CNN SPECIAL EVENT: The California Governor Primary Debate” will be a two-hour debate at 6 p.m. PDT on May 5.

According to CNN, the debate will be hosted “in the Los Angeles area” and will “air live on CNN, CNN International, CNN en Español and streaming for subscribers.”

Candidates will have to meet criteria related to campaign finances and polling to earn an invitation to the debate, according to CNN.

When do we vote for California governor?

Californians will vote in the primary election on June 2, 2026. The two candidates with the most votes will go on to the general election on Nov. 3, 2026.  

Is Gavin Newsom running for governor again?

Gov. Gavin Newsom is not running for governor again as he has reached term limits. He was first elected to the position in 2018.

Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].