Contenders for California's governorship debate on affordability challenges and exorbitant living expenses during their initial cross-party confrontation.
Gubernatorial Candidates Square Off over California's Economy
The first gathering of 2026 gubernatorial hopefuls unfolded Wednesday evening, bringing together six top contenders to discuss California's pressing concerns. While alliances generally aligned with their parties' views, the conversation was punctuated with variations.
The primary is set for exactly one year from now.
SACRAMENTO - Six of California's leading gubernatorial candidates gathered for a spirited, yet cordial event, acknowledging the economic burdens plaguing the state due to its affordability crisis. Yet, their respective political beliefs took center stage when it came to proposing solutions.
Led by former Rep. Katie Porter, a Democratic contender from Irvine, the candidates contended that despite the state boasting one of the world's largest economies, too many residents are suffering because of the cost of living.
Conservative commentator Steve Hilton, a Republican frontrunner, argued that state leaders need to loosen the grip of unions, lawyers, and climate change advocates on California policy, suggesting this would empower businesses and families in the Golden State.
The event, hosted by the California Chamber of Commerce, saw about 800 attendees witness an 80-minute panel at the convention center in Sacramento. The chamber based their invitee choices on each candidate's prominence in public opinion and fundraising surveys. In attendance were former Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, Hilton, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Porter, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Among the most pointed exchanges was between Kounalakis and Bianco. During a discussion about President Trump's tariff policies, Kounalakis, a Democrat, criticized Bianco, a Republican, for his wait-and-see approach towards Trump's unpredictable trade plans. "You're not a businessman; you're a government employee," she said. "Small businesses are struggling, and it's only going to get worse."
Bianco's response was swift, arguing that Kounalakis and other Democratic gubernatorial candidates share responsibility for the state's financial hardships due to their "excessive spending" on their liberal agenda.
The Democrats, while largely in agreement on policy, sought to differentiate themselves. The sharpest divide was about raising the minimum wage. In the wake of a Los Angeles County labor proposal to raise the base pay to at least $25 an hour, the candidates' opinions varied significantly.
Toni Atkins, echoing her fellow Democrats' sentiments, suggested that while she supported higher wages, "now is not the time." Villaraigosa also acknowledged the need for a higher minimum wage but emphasized the importance of striking a balance.
Kounalakis, on the other hand, claimed she would push for $20 per hour, arguing her stance would be inhumane to avoid.
California's high cost of living is a crucial topic among voters, expected to play a significant role in the 2026 governor's race. According to a poll released in May by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, nearly half of Californians feel worse off compared to last year, with over half expressing decreased hope about their economic future.
Although this event marked the first instance Democratic and Republican candidates shared a stage, it was also the first time Republican candidates Bianco and Hilton appeared together. With California's political leanings leaning left, it's challenging for a Republican to win the race - although Bianco and Hilton are vying to snag one of the top two spots in the 2026 primary election.
The pair expressed similar sentiments about liberal policies being detrimental, recommending halting initiatives like the state's high-speed rail project and rolling back environmental regulations, such as the state's climate-change efforts, which they argue have increased costs without making a significant impact on reducing fossil fuel consumption.
Trump's endorsement, should he choose to back one of the Republican candidates, remains an unclear factor in the election.
Stay tuned as these contenders continue to compete for California's highest office, campaigning to improve the state's economy and create a more affordable future for its residents.
[1] Los Angeles Times: Business - Labor groups, officials push for a minimum wage of at least $25 an hour in L.A. County[2] Los Angeles Times: Politics - With Harris on the sideline, top Democratic candidates for California governor woo party loyalists[3] San Francisco Chronicle: California - Despite political promises, Californians are stressed about their finances[4] Politico: California - Who is running for California governor in 2026? Meet the candidates[5] Los Angeles Times: Business - California labor leaders grill Democrats running for governor on AI, benefits for strikers[6] The New York Times: Opinion - Our own doing: California Democrats try to figure out how to win national elections again[7] The San Diego Union-Tribune: California - Trump's attacks on transgender Americans are a test in California's governor's race
- The ongoing debate about raising the minimum wage in Los Angeles County has seen labor groups and officials advocating for a proposition that sets the wage at least $25 an hour.
- With Senator Kamala Harris vacating the seat, top Democratic contenders for California's gubernatorial race are vying for the party's loyalty.
- Despite the promises made by California's political leaders, residents of the state remain financially stressed.
- Those running for California governor in 2026 can be found listed in various articles detailing their backgrounds, stances on key issues, and fundraising success.
- During a discussion with California labor leaders, Democratic gubernatorial candidates were questioned about their positions on AI and workers' benefits during strikes.
- In an opinion piece, the author explores potential strategies for California Democrats to regain their footing in national elections.
- Trump's criticism of transgender individuals has become a focal point in California's gubernatorial race, with candidates offering their perspectives on the issue.
