BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — As California’s gubernatorial debate wrapped up, many Kern County residents said their focus remains less on the candidates and more on the issues they want the next governor to tackle.
The historic Bridges Auditorium on the Pomona College campus in Claremont, Calif. will host the CBS California Governor’s Debate on April 28, 2026. (CBS California)
In Bakersfield, some people said they didn’t even know the debate was happening, while others said they are not following the race closely and have not yet chosen a candidate.
Juan, a Bakersfield resident, said he feels disconnected from the political process.
“I feel like my vote, my vote doesn’t even matter. Like, there’s just so much going on, whether it’s one side or the other, there’s just so much corruption that I don’t see the point of getting involved,” Juan said.
Others said they may not have a clear favorite but already know what will drive their decision.
Asma Salehi said education funding is a priority.
Money FILE image (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
“I would like to see some changes towards the schooling and the budgets towards the school,” she said.
Rorie Edmondson said public safety is her main concern.
“I’m just concerned about crime. It seems like crime is getting worse every day, and there’s no real consequences for it,” Edmondson said.
Danielle Simm pointed to the rising cost of fuel.
“The gas prices versus, you know, you’re spending maybe 50 in between 50 and 60 to fill. And now it’s like 80, $100. Like, just, it’s just too much,” she said.
FILE – Fuel prices are displayed on a sign as a customer fills their vehicle at a gas station on April 13, 2026, in Miami. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Gas prices were among the topics discussed during the debate.
After being shown how different governor candidates responded to a question about the gas tax, Edmondson said it did not change her view much.
“I understand, we have taxes for a reason, and that’s okay. We have taxes for a reason, and I understand that. I just feel like the money needs to go to programs to help everybody and not just a certain few,” Edmondson said.
On taxes, Marco Medina said he wants the next governor to pay more attention to working-class residents.
“Within like the change of like reforms for the rich and stuff, like adding in something that would at least benefit the people who make up the working class and just the living class rather than, I guess, prioritizing tax benefits and stuff like that for people who are more, I guess, well off and wealthy in, I guess, California,” Medina said.
Juan said he does not believe much will change with a new governor.
“Usually, it’s always, they promise one thing, but they don’t deliver. So I just don’t even get involved anymore,” he said.
There is still just over a month until California’s gubernatorial primary election on June 2.
According to CalMatters.org, county election offices will begin mailing primary ballots as early as May 4.