California Gubernatorial Candidates Discuss Key Issues at Dinner

News Summary

On June 4, 2025, six candidates for California’s gubernatorial race participated in a panel discussion at the California Business Outlook dinner. Moderated by John Myers, the event highlighted diverse viewpoints on pressing state issues, such as healthcare, housing, and the rising cost of living. Candidates emphasized the importance of addressing these challenges while outlining their qualifications and potential policies. Amid speculation about Vice President Kamala Harris’s potential candidacy, the political landscape in California remains dynamic as the primary approaches in June 2026.

California – Six candidates vying for the gubernatorial seat in California engaged in a lively discussion during the California Business Outlook dinner on June 4, 2025. The panel, moderated by John Myers, the California Chamber of Commerce’s senior vice president of communications and external affairs, allowed candidates to outline their positions on various pressing issues ahead of the upcoming 2026 Democratic primary.

The participating candidates included Toni Atkins, former Senate President Pro-Tem; Chad Bianco, Riverside Sheriff; Steve Hilton, author and podcaster; Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis; Katie Porter, former U.S. Representative; and Antonio Villaraigosa, former Los Angeles Mayor. This prominent gathering not only highlighted the candidates’ diverse backgrounds but also their varying perspectives on California’s key issues.

In her new role, Liz Snow has joined the CalChamber as the Senior Vice President of Political Affairs, signaling an intensified push towards reforming regulatory frameworks to enhance business operations within the state. A recent appointment of a policy advocate specifically targeting health care and taxation issues was also discussed, emphasizing CalChamber’s commitment to these areas.

The dinner’s discussions illuminated several misconceptions regarding workplace violence prevention standards, which are critical concerns for businesses and employees alike. While many candidates expressed support for a unified approach towards issues like health care, affordable housing, and homelessness, they also recognized the diverse challenges that California residents are facing.

A key topic that emerged was the rising cost of living, with four Democratic candidates agreeing on the necessity to address this issue seriously without raising the minimum wage. Many of the candidates had differing viewpoints on the impacts of COVID-19 on school district closures, showcasing the varied approaches to education reform in the wake of the pandemic.

Additionally, all four Democrats supported the exploration of a single-payer healthcare system, reflecting a growing trend among progressive candidates in California to tackle systemic health care disparities. Lt. Governor Kounalakis highlighted her experience in real estate and development as valuable qualifications for tackling housing affordability, while other candidates offered distinct perspectives on combating homelessness and related challenges.

The candidates also demonstrated divided opinions on Proposition 36, which focuses on crimes related to repetitive theft and the fentanyl crisis, underscoring California’s ongoing struggles with drug-related issues and crime. With California yet to elect a Republican to statewide office since 2006, the political landscape continues to shift, making the upcoming election particularly significant.

Amidst the candidate race, speculation surrounding the potential gubernatorial bid of Vice President Kamala Harris looms large. While Harris has not formally declared her intentions to run, her name remains a focal point in discussions among Democratic insiders. Notably, California Democratic Representative Dave Min declined to comment on whether he would endorse Harris, while fellow Representative George Whitesides welcomed the idea of her candidacy, although he emphasized focusing on his own campaign. The internal dynamics of the Democratic Party are carefully analyzing the implications of Harris entering the race, particularly concerning vulnerabilities in swing districts.

Previous California governors have reportedly been consulted by Harris for guidance about the gubernatorial role, suggesting a serious interest in the position despite her potential future ambitions for presidential candidacy in 2028. The situation remains fluid, with the field of candidates likely to expand as more potential candidates announce their runs in the coming months.

With the California primary scheduled for June 2026, candidates will continue to address key issues in their campaigns, aiming to resonate with voters concerned about the state’s future. As this political season unfolds, the focus will remain on critical topics like economic stability, health care reforms, and housing crisis management that are central to California’s well-being.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• The New York Times: Harris and California Governors Race
• Wikipedia: Kamala Harris
• CNN: Kamala Harris for Governor of California
• Google Search: California Governor Election 2026
• Los Angeles Times: California Governors Race Candidates
• Encyclopedia Britannica: California
• Spectrum News: Kounalakis Drops Out of Governor Race
• Google News: California Governor Race 2026