Seven candidates vying to become California’s next governor will face off in a televised debate on February 3 as they compete to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom.
The debate, hosted by FOX 11 and KTVU FOX 2, will air live at 5:30 p.m. from the Ruth Williams Bay View Opera House in San Francisco. Viewers can watch on television or through the FOX LOCAL streaming app.
Moderators include KTVU’s Greg Lee and André Senior, along with FOX 11’s Marla Tellez. The event is co-hosted by several community organizations including the Black Action Alliance, 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, and the Oakland branch of the NAACP.
The debate comes four months ahead of California’s June 2 primary election, where the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, will advance to the November general election.
“This is one of the most consequential gubernatorial races in recent history,” according to KTVU, as California faces significant challenges including a structural budget deficit, housing affordability crisis, and homelessness.
The seven confirmed candidates represent diverse backgrounds and political perspectives:
- Steve Hilton, a Republican podcaster and former Fox News commentator whose campaign theme is “Golden Again: Great Jobs, Great Homes, Great Kids.” The 55-year-old British-born U.S. citizen previously advised UK Prime Minister David Cameron before moving to California in 2012.
- Matt Mahan, San Jose’s current mayor, who announced his candidacy on January 29. The moderate Democrat positions himself as a “fixer” for California with strong ties to Silicon Valley.
- Tom Steyer, a billionaire activist and former presidential candidate who announced his campaign in November. The Democrat and founder of NextGen America has prioritized addressing California’s housing crisis, pledging to build one million homes in four years.
- Eric Swalwell, a Democratic congressman representing California’s 14th district since 2012. He launched his campaign in November, stating that “prices are too high and people are scared.”
- Tony Thurmond, California’s current State Superintendent of Public Instruction, who says he wants to address income inequality, improve school funding, and accelerate the state’s transition to renewable energy.
- Antonio Villaraigosa, the former Los Angeles mayor (2005-2013) who previously ran for governor in 2018, losing to Newsom. The 71-year-old Democrat most recently served as an infrastructure advisor for California.
- Betty Yee, the former state Controller who served from 2014 to 2022. Her campaign focuses on making California affordable again, bringing accountability to Sacramento, and addressing the state’s climate crisis.
Viewers can submit questions for the candidates, with select questions to be answered live during the debate.
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