NBCLA and Telemundo 52 are turning their streaming platforms into a political spotlight next week, when they carry a live gubernatorial forum focused on California’s LGBTQ+ community. The event, titled "Centering Equality: California’s LGBTQ+ Gubernatorial Forum," will bring seven candidates together to talk civil rights, public safety, education, health care and housing. The forum is scheduled for Monday, March 2 at 7 p.m. Pacific in Hollywood and is hosted by Equality California and the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
According to NBC Los Angeles, the stations will carry the discussion live on their streaming channels. NBC Los Angeles also reports that the forum is billed as nonpartisan and is timed as candidates ramp up their outreach ahead of the statewide primary.
The statewide direct primary is set for June 2, 2026, which makes early March a key window for candidates to start defining themselves with voters, per the California Secretary of State. With ballots still months away, forums like this give campaigns a concentrated venue to spell out where they stand on issues that matter to LGBTQ+ Californians.
Who's on stage
Per a press release from Equality California, seven gubernatorial hopefuls are slated to participate: Xavier Becerra, Eric Swalwell, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa and Betty Yee. The release also notes that the forum will be co-moderated by NBC4 anchor Colleen Williams and Politico journalist Dustin Gardiner and held at the Renberg Theatre in Hollywood.
Where to watch and media rules
The forum will stream on NBCLA and Telemundo 52 digital platforms, including their websites, mobile apps and YouTube channels, according to Equality California. The organization states that "NBC4 and Telemundo 52 are exclusively streaming this live forum," and the press release says other outlets are prohibited from carrying live video or audio, with content embargoed until 9:01 p.m. after the forum concludes.
Why it matters
For LGBTQ+ Californians, the forum offers a focused moment to hear directly from would-be governors on everything from housing to health care while the primary is still on the horizon. The live stream opens the Hollywood event to viewers across the state and gives audiences a front-row seat to how candidates say they will address LGBTQ+ specific policy concerns, NBC Los Angeles notes.
