CBS Los Angeles, CBS Bay Area and CBS Sacramento –Together with Select CBS Affiliates Statewide – Will Carry the Debate Live on Air and Via Streaming, in Partnership With the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs (APAPA) and Pomona College

The Debate Will Also Stream Live on CBS News 24/7, Expanding Access Nationally

LOS ANGELES – April 20, 2026 – CBS Television Stations, in partnership with Asian Pacific American Public Affairs (APAPA) and Pomona College, will host a live gubernatorial debate on Tuesday, April 28, featuring a pre-debate show from 5:00-5:30 PM, PT, followed by the live debate from 5:30-7:00 PM, PT. Nine candidates have been invited to participate in California’s 2026 gubernatorial debate, giving voters an opportunity to assess each candidate’s perspective on different policies in one of the state’s most consequential elections.

The debate will broadcast live from Pomona College’s historic Bridges Auditorium, airing across CBS-owned California stations CBS Los Angeles (KCBS, KCAL), CBS Bay Area (KPIX), CBS Sacramento (KOVR) and CBS affiliates in San Diego (KFMB), Bakersfield (KBAK) and Palm Springs (KPSP). The debate will also stream free across CBS-owned digital platforms CBSLA.com, CBS Bay Area, CBS Sacramento and CBS News 24/7, and its YouTube channels, extending its reach to viewers and voters statewide and beyond due to streaming options.

“By bringing together our three CBS-owned stations across California, and in partnership with Pomona College and APAPA, we’re creating a unified, statewide forum that brings voters closer to the candidates and the issues shaping California’s future,” said Tim Wieland, regional president and general manager of CBS Los Angeles and CBS Colorado. “This kind of access is central to the role local journalism plays in accountability and keeping our communities informed.”

To date, the debate is the most inclusive and has the largest confirmed participants on a live stage. The following candidates have been invited: (in alphabetical order; asterisk indicates confirmation):

• Xavier Becerra (D) *

• Chad Bianco (R) *

• Steve Hilton (R) *

• Matt Mahan (D) *

• Katie Porter (D)

• Tom Steyer (D)*

• Tony Thurmond (D) *

• Antonio Villaraigosa (D) *

• Betty Yee (D)*

The debate will be moderated by CBS Stations journalists, ensuring a conversation that’s led with accountability, academic insight and journalistic credibility. Moderators include anchor Pat Harvey (CBS Los Angeles); anchor Tony Lopez (CBS Sacramento); CBS News California Investigates correspondent Julie Watts; anchor Ryan Yamamoto (CBS Bay Area); and Sara Sadhwani, assistant professor of politics at Pomona College. Anchor Suzie Suh (CBS Los Angeles) will serve as host.

The live pre-show, COUNTDOWN TO THE DEBATE will air from 5:00-5:30 PM, PT and will cover candidate arrivals with on-the-ground reporting. Journalists leading the pre-show from the virtual AR/VR election center are CBS Los Angeles anchors Rudabeh Shahbazi and Juan Fernandez; CBS Los Angeles political reporter Tom Wait, reporter Laurie Perez and CBS News executive director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto will report live from Pomona College.

“This debate extends far beyond a single stage, reaching communities across California with direct access to the candidates and their ideas,” said Scott Warren, regional president and general manager of CBS Bay Area and CBS Sacramento. “Serving audiences at scale across multiple markets is where our local stations can make a meaningful difference, and our AR/VR pre-show is one more way we’re deepening engagement to help bring the issues into clearer focus for voters.”

The debate will focus on the issues most important to Californians, including public safety, housing, immigration and the economy, with questions informed by an exclusive CBS News poll, combining data-driven insights with next-generation perspectives. Candidates will participate in a structured format featuring opening statements, moderated discussion and closing remarks. A portion of the broadcast will also showcase CBS Stations’ cutting-edge augmented and virtual reality-driven election center.

“Pomona College is honored to host the most inclusive debate in this year’s cycle thus far,” president G. Gabrielle Starr said. “Civic engagement and dialogue across differences are necessary for a thriving democracy – and core to the liberal arts tradition here at Pomona College.”

“There’s no better way for voters to inform themselves than by hearing from candidates directly,” Starr added, “and we’re thrilled that viewers will be able to draw from such a wide cross-section of perspectives.”

“This debate reflects APAPA’s commitment to expanding civic engagement and ensuring communities across California have direct access to the candidates shaping the future of our state,” said Sonny Mehrtash, national president of Asian Pacific American Public Affairs (APAPA). “By partnering with CBS Television Stations and Pomona College, we are creating a meaningful nonpartisan platform that elevates dialogue, informs voters and helps strengthen the next generation of civic leadership.”

Candidates with active campaigns, who are listed on the ballot, and had at least 1% support in both Emerson College and LA Times/UC Berkeley polls were invited to participate in the debate.

MEDIA RSVP / CREDENTIALING:

Credentialed media must RSVP by 11:59 PM on Tuesday, April 21 HERE.

Credentials are limited and issued at CBS Television Stations’ discretion. Due to limited space at the debate venue, the number of credentials and available areas in the press filing center and spin room will be restricted. Approved media will receive confirmation and additional logistical details.

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Media Contacts:

Elita Fielder Adjei, SVP Communications, CBS Television Stations

Elita.adjei@paramount.com

Terri Hernandez, CBS Television Stations

terri.hernandez@paramount.com