CBS Information California Investigates correspondent Julie Watts sat for in-depth interviews with the candidates operating to switch Gov. Gavin Newsom when he phrases out in 2026.
On this ongoing collection, candidates are pressed to transcend marketing campaign speaking factors to offer direct solutions on a variety of subjects necessary to voters, similar to Proposition 50 and congressional redistricting, immigration, homelessness, gasoline costs, inexpensive housing, insurance coverage and extra.
Candidates within the race for California governor embody Democrats Xavier Becerra, Ian Calderon, Stephen J. Cloobeck, Katie Porter, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa and Betty Yee; Republicans Chad Bianco, Steve Hilton and Leo Zacky; and Inexperienced Social gathering candidate Butch Ware. Initially, we additionally interviewed former California State Senate President Professional Tem Toni Atkins, however she has since dropped out of the race.
The place the candidates for California governor stand on redistricting, Proposition 50
Within the first installment of this collection, the remaining 11 gubernatorial candidates share the place they stand on redistricting and Proposition 50, the poll measure backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom that, if accepted by voters in a Nov. 4 particular election, would authorize California lawmakers to redraw the state’s congressional districts. The hassle, which is geared toward sending extra Democrats to Congress, is supposed to counter Texas’ latest redistricting push that favors Republicans and was backed by President Trump.
Whereas most Democratic candidates supported the plan and Republicans criticized it, the interviews uncovered factors of rigidity, with former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter threatening to name off the interview over follow-up questions. She finally stayed and continued answering questions.
In upcoming installments of the collection, the candidates will share their views on subjects together with crime, gasoline costs, immigration, homelessness and extra in California.
Candidates share one factor Newsom and the state Legislature did improper and proper
In our “One Query” collection, we provide voters a short introduction to every candidate by asking: “What do you assume our present governor and legislature did proper, and what would you will have carried out in a different way?” You will discover the total YouTube playlist with every video right here and hyperlinks to every candidate’s response beneath.
Xavier Becerra
Xavier Becerra is a former California lawyer basic who served as Well being and Human Companies secretary within the Biden administration. Becerra stated he credit Newsom for strengthening the state’s financial system. On what he’d do in a different way, Becerra stated he would have acted extra shortly than Newsom on points like California’s high-speed rail undertaking and the statewide housing disaster. Watch right here.
Chad Bianco
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco stated he might solely reward Newsom for “performing like a Republican” in what he says is the governor’s bid for the presidency. Bianco then stated that he could not consider a single factor the state Legislature has carried out proper throughout his seven years as sheriff. Watch right here.
Ian Calderon
Calderon, former state Meeting majority chief, praised Newsom for his efforts to deal with California’s housing disaster and the legislature for specializing in addressing on-line security for youngsters. Calderon stated he does imagine the State of California has “misplaced the plot,” that means that state leaders ought to focus extra on California points reasonably than what is going on on in Washington, D.C. Watch right here.
Stephen J. Cloobeck
Cloobeck, a enterprise govt, stated what he believes Newsom has carried out effectively as governor is be energetic within the public and communities. On why he is within the gubernatorial race, Cloobeck stated he is “sick and drained” of the Trump administration “making us look foolish.” Watch right here.
Steve Hilton
Public coverage knowledgeable Steve Hilton stated the factor he most agrees with Newsom on is limiting smartphone use in colleges. If elected, Hilton stated he would work to enhance California’s rising housing prices, which he stated he believes is the highest purpose why residents are leaving the state. Watch right here.
Katie Porter
Client safety lawyer and regulation professor Katie Porter praised Newsom for making college lunches free by means of the governor’s common meals program. Porter stated, if she had been governor, she would work to carry down housing prices statewide. Watch right here.
Tony Thurmond
California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond lauded Gov. Newsom for being a artistic thinker and for investments in public schooling. If elected, Thurmond stated he would prioritize addressing California’s insurance coverage disaster and creating extra inexpensive housing. Watch right here.
Antonio Villaraigosa
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa criticized Newsom’s resolution to maintain youngsters out of colleges for so long as he did in the course of the pandemic. He stated two issues Newsom and the legislature bought proper had been well being care and baby care. Watch right here.
Butch Ware
College of California professor Butch Ware criticized Newsom’s response to immigration raids and the homeless disaster. Ware additionally disagreed with Newsom’s use of social media to problem the Trump administration, however appreciated the governor’s effort to battle again. Watch right here.
Betty Yee
Former State Controller Betty Yee counseled Newsom’s capability to be current and accessible throughout key points and emergencies just like the COVID-19 pandemic. Yee stated, if elected, she would concentrate on bettering California’s fiscal accountability. Watch right here.
Leo Zacky
Enterprise proprietor Leo Zacky stated he is operating to “carry widespread sense options to avoid wasting my dwelling state.” Zacky stated he could not consider one factor the governor or the state Legislature has carried out effectively whereas Newsom has been in workplace. Zacky particularly criticized elevating California’s minimal wage for quick meals staff. Watch right here.
2025 California Instructional Gubernatorial Discussion board
On September 8, Watts moderated the nonpartisan 2025 California Instructional Gubernatorial Discussion board, which featured most of the candidates vying to be the subsequent governor, together with Becerra, Porter, Thurmond, Villaraigosa, Yee, Hilton and Zacky. The occasion was hosted by Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs (APAPA) and California State College, Sacramento.
Subscribe and comply with
Subscribe to our CBS Information California YouTube channels and comply with us on social media to listen to from every candidate on the problems that matter most to you.
Julie Watts, CBS Information California Investigates: @JulieWattsTV Instagram, TikTok, YouTube
CBS Information Sacramento: @CBSSacramento Instagram, TikTok, YouTube
CBS Information San Francisco: @KPIXTV Instagram, TikTok, YouTube
CBS Information Los Angeles: @KCALNews Instagram, TikTok, YouTube
