(L-R) Democratic candidate Tony Thurmond, Republican candidate Chad Bianco, Democratic candidate Tom Steyer, Republican candidate Steve Hilton, Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra, Democratic candidate Katie Porter, Democratic candidate Matt Mahan and Democratic candidate Antonio Villaraigosa participate in a California gubernatorial debate at Bridges Auditorium on the campus of Pomona College in Claremont, California, on April 28, 2026. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
CLAREMONT, Calif.—California’s affordability surfaced as the top issue in a lively televised debate April 28—just weeks ahead of the state’s top-two jungle primary elections—as eight candidates jockeyed for position.
CBS television stations in partnership with Asian Pacific American Public Affairs hosted the 90-minute debate, which was broadcast live across the state from Bridges Auditorium at Pomona College, about 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.