News Summary
During a candidate forum at the Business Outlook dinner on June 4, 2025, six individuals contending for California’s gubernatorial seat discussed crucial topics such as housing affordability, healthcare, and economic challenges. Moderated by John Myers, the event allowed candidates to share their views while also addressing misconceptions surrounding workplace violence standards. With California’s primary set for June 2026, the potential entry of Vice President Kamala Harris into the race adds another layer of complexity to the evolving political landscape.
California hosted a candidate forum during the Business Outlook dinner on June 4, 2025, where six individuals vying for the gubernatorial seat engaged in a panel discussion moderated by John Myers, a senior vice president at CalChamber. The event highlighted pressing issues affecting the state, offering insights into each candidate’s stance on topics such as housing affordability, healthcare, and economic challenges.
The candidates present at the forum included:
- Toni Atkins, former Senate President Pro-Tem
- Chad Bianco, Riverside Sheriff
- Steve Hilton, author, podcaster, and business founder
- Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis
- Katie Porter, former U.S. Representative
- Antonio Villaraigosa, former Mayor of Los Angeles
As part of its ongoing efforts to refine regulatory rules, CalChamber announced the recent addition of Liz Snow as the new Senior Vice President of Political Affairs. The organization intends to improve business conditions in California by tackling bureaucratic challenges and providing a voice for employers in the state’s legislative process. A new policy advocate has also been appointed to focus on vital healthcare and taxation issues.
During the forum, candidates addressed various misconceptions surrounding workplace violence prevention standards. With a backdrop of economic uncertainty, the discussion touched on the pressing issue of California’s cost of living. Four Democratic candidates concurred that addressing this concern is essential, while agreeing not to raise the minimum wage as a means of combating economic strain faced by constituents.
Candidates expressed differing opinions on COVID-19 school district closures, reflecting a divide among them on how to manage educational policies in the aftermath of the pandemic. However, all four Democratic contenders supported exploring a single-payer healthcare system, indicating a consensus on reforming healthcare access in California.
Lt. Governor Kounalakis highlighted her expertise in real estate development, showcasing it as a qualification to tackle housing affordability challenges. The discussion on homelessness and affordable housing saw varied approaches proposed by candidates. They also debated Proposition 36, an initiative relating to repeated theft and the ongoing fentanyl crisis within the state.
The potential entry of Vice President Kamala Harris into the gubernatorial race remains a topic of speculation. While she has yet to commit to a run, Harris’s candidacy is considered a significant factor by many Democratic insiders who believe it could influence the reelection prospects of vulnerable Democrats across the state. Some critics worry that her participation could invigorate Republican voters and jeopardize Democratic standing in competitive districts.
Conversely, supporters argue that Harris’s experience and perceived leadership qualities position her as a formidable candidate for governor. As she contemplates her political path, Harris has sought advice from former governors, positioning herself to assess the viability of a gubernatorial campaign against her potential aspirations for a presidential bid in 2028. The California Democratic primary is slated for June 2026, where the top two contenders will advance to the general election.
As the gubernatorial race unfolds, the field may continue to expand with potential announcements from other candidates in the near future. To date, California has not elected a Republican to statewide office since 2006, establishing a challenging landscape for GOP candidates. The dynamic political climate in California is set to evolve as candidates vie for support in the upcoming elections, reflecting the diversity of opinions on how to address the state’s most pressing issues.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The New York Times
- CNN
- Los Angeles Times
- Fox News
- Spectrum News
- Wikipedia: California gubernatorial election
- Google Search: California governor race 2026
- Google Scholar: California governor elections
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California
- Google News: California governor race
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
