BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Voters across California will get a major look at the candidates running for governor later this month, as CBS stations statewide prepare to host one of the largest debates of the race.
The CBS California Governor’s Debate is set for Tuesday, April 28 at 5:30 p.m., bringing together top candidates in the 2026 race just weeks before the primary election.
How to watch locally
Viewers in Kern County can watch the debate:
The debate will be carried across CBS stations throughout California, including affiliates like Bakersfield, expanding access for voters statewide.
What to expect
The live debate is a joint venture between CBS LA, CBS Bay Area and CBS Sacramento and is being hosted in collaboration with the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs Association at Pomona College’s Bridges Auditorium.
The event will feature leading candidates based on polling and fundraising, offering one of the most high-profile forums of the race ahead of the primary, according to CBS News Los Angeles.
Participants in the debate include:
Xavier Becerra (D)Chad Bianco (R)Steve Hilton (R)Matt Mahan (D)Tom Steyer (D)Tony Thurmond (D)Antonio Villaraigosa (D)Katie Porter (D)*
*Former Congressperson Katie Porter (D) was invited but has yet to formally accept.
Moderators and coverage
The debate will be moderated by a panel of CBS journalists from across the state, including veteran anchor Pat Harvey, along with reporters and political experts from CBS stations in L.A., San Francisco and Sacramento.
A special “Countdown to the Debate” pre-show will air starting at 5:00 p.m., featuring candidate arrivals and live analysis ahead of the event.
Why it matters
The debate comes at a critical time in California’s gubernatorial race, with voters set to receive primary election ballots shortly after the event.
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With no clear frontrunner in a crowded field, debates like this could play a major role in shaping momentum heading into the June primary.