California Governor Debate Set for March 24th: How to Watch
California voters will have their first major opportunity to assess the candidates vying to develop into the state’s next governor during a debate scheduled for Tuesday, March 24th. The event, titled “Su Voz, Su Voto: Carrera por el Gobernador 2026” (Your Voice, Your Vote: Race for Governor 2026), will feature six contenders from both major parties, offering a crucial platform for outlining their visions for the future of the most populous state in the United States. The debate comes as California faces ongoing challenges related to the economy, housing affordability, and public safety, making the stakes particularly high for the upcoming election. The primary election is scheduled for June 2nd, and the general election will follow on November 3rd.
The debate is a collaborative effort between N+ Univision 34 (KMEX) Los Angeles, ABC7 (KABC-TV) Los Angeles, and the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future. This partnership aims to provide comprehensive coverage of the gubernatorial race, reaching both English and Spanish-speaking audiences across California. The candidates were selected based on criteria developed by Professor Christian Grose of USC and the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future’s Laboratory for Democratic and Just Elections, ensuring an objective and representative field of participants. The debate will be a key moment for voters to evaluate the candidates’ positions on critical issues facing the state.
Who Will Be Participating?
The six candidates confirmed to participate in the debate represent a diverse range of political backgrounds and experience. On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco is running, campaigning on a platform of public safety and limited government. Bianco was born in 1967 at Hill Air Force Base in Utah and has served as sheriff since 2019, according to his Wikipedia page. Also representing the GOP is Steve Hilton, a frequent commentator on Fox News and a former advisor to British Prime Minister David Cameron.
The Democratic field includes Matt Mahan, the current mayor of San José; Katie Porter, a former U.S. Representative for California’s 47th congressional district; Eric Swalwell, a U.S. Representative for California’s 14th congressional district; and Tom Steyer, a businessman and former presidential candidate. Porter previously served as a professor specializing in consumer protection law, and Swalwell has been a vocal advocate for gun control measures. Steyer, a former hedge fund manager, previously ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020.
How to Watch the Debate
The debate will be broadcast live on multiple platforms to ensure broad accessibility for California voters. The initial broadcast will commence at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. For Spanish-speaking viewers, N+ Univision 34 Los Angeles is the official broadcaster. A live stream will be available on Univision34.com and on N+ Univision 24/7 Los Ángeles on ViX. A televised broadcast will follow at 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Univision 34/KMEX Los Ángeles and all local TelevisaUnivision affiliates throughout California.
English-language viewers can tune in to ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles, ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco, and ABC30/KFSN-TV Fresno. These stations will offer coverage across their linear and digital platforms, with an extended broadcast from 6:00 p.m. To 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time. This multi-platform approach ensures that Californians across the state have ample opportunities to watch and engage with the debate.
Who Will Moderate and Provide Analysis?
The debate will be moderated by Marc Brown, a news anchor for ABC7 Los Angeles Eyewitness News. He will be joined by Monica Madden, a political reporter for ABC7 San Francisco News, and Warren Armstrong, a news anchor for ABC30 Fresno Action News Live. These experienced journalists will guide the discussion and ensure a fair and informative exchange of ideas.
Adding to the analysis, Gabriela Teissier, a news anchor for Noticiero N+ Univision 34 Los Ángeles, will participate as a panelist, posing questions to the candidates. Her involvement ensures that the Spanish-speaking audience receives direct engagement with the candidates and a nuanced understanding of their positions. The combination of experienced moderators and panelists promises a robust and insightful debate.
Chad Bianco’s Campaign and Background
Chad Bianco, the Republican sheriff of Riverside County, has made public safety a central tenet of his campaign for governor. According to his campaign website, Bianco believes Californians deserve a governor who will prioritize the needs of the people over special interests. He has been affiliated with the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association. Bianco’s campaign is actively soliciting donations, with suggested amounts ranging from $20.26 to $200, and contributions can also be sent via mail to 3649 Mission Inn Ave, Floor 2, Riverside, CA 92501. He has served as sheriff since January 7, 2019, and was re-elected in 2022.
Looking Ahead: Key Dates in the California Gubernatorial Election
The March 24th debate is just one milestone in the lead-up to the California gubernatorial election. The primary election, where voters will select their preferred candidates from each party, is scheduled for June 2nd. The candidates who emerge victorious from the primary will then face off in the general election on November 3rd. These dates are crucial for voters to mark on their calendars as they prepare to participate in shaping the future leadership of California.
The outcome of this election will have significant implications for the state’s policies on a wide range of issues, from the economy and education to healthcare and the environment. The debate on March 24th will provide a valuable opportunity for voters to assess the candidates’ qualifications and determine who they believe is best equipped to lead California forward.
As the election cycle progresses, voters are encouraged to stay informed about the candidates’ positions and engage in thoughtful discussions about the future of the state. The USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future and the participating media organizations will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the election, ensuring that Californians have the information they demand to make informed decisions.
The next key date for voters will be the start of early voting in May, providing an opportunity for those who prefer to cast their ballots before election day. Further details on early voting locations and procedures will be announced by the California Secretary of State in the coming weeks.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming debate? Share your opinions in the comments below and be sure to share this article with your friends and family!