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 vital to voters, reminiscent of Proposition 50 and congressional redistricting, immigration, homelessness, gasoline costs, reasonably priced housing, insurance coverage and extra.
Candidates within the race for California governor embrace 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 aimed 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 pressure, with former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter threatening to name off the interview over follow-up questions. She in the end 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 mistaken and proper
In our “One Query” collection, we provide voters a short introduction to every candidate by asking: “What do you suppose our present governor and legislature did proper, and what would you may have accomplished otherwise?” You will discover the complete YouTube playlist with every video right here and hyperlinks to every candidate’s response beneath.
Xavier Becerra
Xavier Becerra is a former California lawyer normal who served as Well being and Human Providers secretary within the Biden administration. Becerra stated he credit Newsom for strengthening the state’s financial system. On what he’d do otherwise, Becerra stated he would have acted extra shortly than Newsom on points like California’s high-speed rail venture and the statewide housing disaster. Watch right here.
Chad Bianco
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco stated he may solely reward Newsom for “appearing 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 accomplished proper throughout his seven years as sheriff. Watch right here.
Ian Calderon
Calderon, former state Meeting majority chief, praised Newsom for his efforts to handle California’s housing disaster and the legislature for specializing in addressing on-line security for youngsters. Calderon stated he does consider the State of California has “misplaced the plot,” that means that state leaders ought to focus extra on California points slightly than what is going on on in Washington, D.C. Watch right here.
Stephen J. Cloobeck
Cloobeck, a enterprise government, stated what he believes Newsom has accomplished nicely 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 skilled 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
Shopper safety lawyer and legislation professor Katie Porter praised Newsom for making college lunches free by the governor’s common meals program. Porter stated, if she have been governor, she would work to deliver down housing prices statewide. Watch right here.
Tony Thurmond
California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond lauded Gov. Newsom for being a inventive thinker and for investments in public training. If elected, Thurmond stated he would prioritize addressing California’s insurance coverage disaster and creating extra reasonably priced housing. Watch right here.
Antonio Villaraigosa
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa criticized Newsom’s determination to maintain children out of colleges for so long as he did through the pandemic. He stated two issues Newsom and the legislature received proper have been well being care and little one 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 struggle again. Watch right here.
Betty Yee
Former State Controller Betty Yee counseled Newsom’s means to be current and accessible throughout key points and emergencies just like the COVID-19 pandemic. Yee stated, if elected, she would give attention to enhancing California’s fiscal accountability. Watch right here.
Leo Zacky
Enterprise proprietor Leo Zacky stated he is operating to “deliver frequent sense options to save lots of my dwelling state.” Zacky stated he could not consider one factor the governor or the state Legislature has accomplished nicely whereas Newsom has been in workplace. Zacky particularly criticized elevating California’s minimal wage for quick meals staff. Watch right here.
2025 California Academic Gubernatorial Discussion board
On September 8, Watts moderated the nonpartisan 2025 California Academic Gubernatorial Discussion board, which featured most of the candidates vying to be the following 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.
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Julie Watts, CBS Information California Investigates: @JulieWattsTV Instagram, TikTok, YouTube
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