CBS CALIFORNIA STATIONS TO HOST LIVE GUBERNATORIAL DEBATE FEATURING TOP CANDIDATES

CBS Television Stations in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sacramento, in partnership with the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs (APAPA) and Pomona College, prepare to bring the latest insights from California’s gubernatorial race directly to voters

LOS ANGELES – March 12, 2026 – CBS Television Stations today announced it will host a live gubernatorial debate, providing voters with an opportunity to hear directly from the top candidates on issues shaping the future of California. In partnership with APAPA and Pomona College, the debate will originate from Pomona College’s historic Bridges Auditorium on April 28, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. and will be broadcast across CBS California stations and streaming platforms, including a simulcast in Los Angeles on KCBS and KCAL. 

The broadcast will be moderated by CBS journalists Anchor Pat Harvey (KCBS/KCAL Los Angeles), Anchor Tony Lopez (KOVR Sacramento), California Investigative Correspondent Julie Watts (KPIX/KOVR/KCBS/KCAL), Anchor Ryan Yamamoto (KPIX San Francisco) and Sara Sadhwani, assistant professor of politics at Pomona College. 

The discussion will focus on key issues shaping the future of the state, including public safety, housing and the economy. Questions will be informed by an exclusive CBS News poll of California voters and contributions from Pomona College students, bringing both data-driven insights and student perspectives into the conversation. The broadcast may also be carried by other CBS affiliate stations across the state. 

“Our CBS stations serve California’s biggest markets, giving us a unique ability to bring this debate across the state,” said Jennnifer Mitchell, president of CBS Television Stations. “Our trusted journalists have long covered politics across California and this forum combines their strong experience to guide an informed conversation for voters.”  

“We look forward to bringing this timely and important event to Pomona,” said Gabrielle Starr, president of Pomona College. “This is an incredible opportunity to encourage engagement in shaping the political life of our state and nation.” 

“APAPA is proud to help bring the California Gubernatorial Debate to voters across the state,” said Sonny Mehrtash, National President of APAPA. “Providing a nonpartisan forum where candidates can discuss the issues side by side helps ensure Californians have the information they need to make informed decisions.” 

Participants will be invited based on polling and fundraising metrics for both political parties. The debate format will include opening statements, moderated questions and closing remarks. Additional details regarding format and participation will be shared prior to the broadcast.

Viewers are encouraged to tune in live or stream the debate on CBSLA.com, CBSSacramento.com and KPIX.com. Highlights and post-debate coverage will also be available across CBS California stations and partners’ digital and social media platforms.   

MEDIA CREDENTIALING IS NOW OPEN: Click (here) to apply for media credentials. Credentials to cover the debate will be issued at the discretion of CBS Television Stations; submission of an application does not guarantee approval. Due to space constraints at the debate site, the number of credentials and the space available in the press filing center and spin room will be limited. News organizations are encouraged to plan their coverage footprint and staffing accordingly. All credential applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, April 16. Late applications will not be accepted. 

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MEDIA CONTACT 

Terri Hernandez, CBS Television Stations 

Terri.hernandez@paramount.com