California Gubernatorial Candidates Discuss Key Issues

News Summary

On June 4, 2025, CalChamber hosted a dinner panel featuring six candidates for California’s gubernatorial race. Moderated by John Myers, the discussion covered vital topics including the state’s economy, homelessness, and healthcare policies. Candidates expressed varied views on significant issues, including workplace violence prevention and the cost of living. Vice President Kamala Harris is rumored to be considering a gubernatorial run, which may impact the political landscape. The California Democratic primary scheduled for June 2026 could lead to further announcements in the evolving political scene.

California hosted a dinner panel on June 4, 2025, featuring six candidates who are vying to become the next governor of the state. The event, organized by CalChamber, was moderated by John Myers, the senior vice president of communications and external affairs for CalChamber, and provided a platform for candidates to discuss pressing issues important to Californian voters.

The candidates participating in the panel included former Senate President Pro-Tem Toni Atkins, Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco, author and podcast producer Steve Hilton, current Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, former U.S. Representative Katie Porter, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. The panel facilitated a lively discussion about California’s economic landscape, health care policy, and social issues, among others.

Recently, Liz Snow has assumed the role of Senior Vice President of Political Affairs at CalChamber, which is also actively working to reform regulatory rules to improve business operations in the state. Furthermore, a new policy advocate has been appointed to focus on health care and taxation matters, highlighting ongoing efforts to address critical economic concerns.

One of the significant topics covered during the dinner was misconceptions surrounding workplace violence prevention standards. The candidates addressed their stances on various issues, including the state’s high cost of living, homelessness, and affordable housing. Four Democratic candidates unanimously agreed that tackling the cost of living is essential, although they preferred not to raise the minimum wage. They also expressed their perspectives on COVID-19 school district closures, with varied views among attendees.

Intriguingly, the event hinted at the interest of Vice President Kamala Harris in the gubernatorial race. While Rep. Dave Min declined to comment on Harris’s potential candidacy, Rep. George Whitesides showed enthusiasm for it. Insiders believe that Harris’s entry into the race could have significant implications for vulnerable Democratic incumbents, as critics argue that it might energize Republican voters and complicate reelection prospects in swing districts. Nonetheless, supporters maintain that her experience as a leader qualifies her as a strong candidate for the governorship.

As of now, Harris has not publicly committed to running for governor, as she weighs her options for a possible presidential bid in 2028. It has been reported that Harris has sought advice from several former governors regarding their experiences in office, signifying her serious consideration of a gubernatorial campaign.

The candidates also discussed different strategies for combating rising living costs and homelessness. Kounalakis emphasized her background in real estate development as a vital factor in improving housing affordability in California. Furthermore, the candidates expressed diverse opinions regarding Proposition 36, an initiative targeting repetitive theft and addressing the fentanyl crisis in the state, indicating a split in their approaches to this pressing issue.

With the California Democratic primary scheduled for June 2026, the field of candidates may continue to evolve, with potential announcements from other individuals in the coming months. Notably, California has not elected a Republican to statewide office since 2006, underscoring the dominance of Democrats in recent elections.

As the gubernatorial race heats up, Californians eagerly await the candidates’ positions on critical issues impacting the state’s future.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• The New York Times: Harris and the California Governor’s Race
• CNN: Kamala Harris and California Governor Debate
• Los Angeles Times: California Governor’s Race Candidates Debate
• Spectrum News1: Eleni Kounalakis Drops Out of Governor’s Race
• Fresno Bee: Opinion on California’s Political Landscape
• Wikipedia: California Governor
• Google Search: California Governor Race 2026
• Google Scholar: California Governors Race
• Encyclopedia Britannica: California
• Google News: California Politics