Los Angeles is getting an early look at who wants to run California. ABC7 Los Angeles and the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future are teaming up for a California gubernatorial debate, "Your Voice, Your Vote: Race for Governor 2026," on Tuesday, March 24 at 5 p.m. Six declared candidates, two Republicans and four Democrats, will share a single stage as the race barrels toward the June primary. Marc Brown is set to moderate.
According to ABC7 Los Angeles, the candidate grilling will come from a trio of journalists: ABC7 San Francisco political reporter Monica Madden, ABC30 Fresno anchor Warren Armstrong, and Noticiero N+ Univision 34 anchor Gabriela Teissier. ABC7 says invitations went out using independent criteria crafted by USC Professor Christian Grose and the USC Democracy and Fair Elections Lab, an effort to keep the lineup decisions at arm’s length from the campaigns.
Who’s on the stage
The six candidates scheduled for the ABC7–USC debate are Chad Bianco (R), Steve Hilton (R), Matt Mahan (D), Katie Porter (D), Tom Steyer (D), and Eric Swalwell (D). CalMatters reports that ten candidates in total have filed to run for governor, meaning several notable contenders will be watching this one from the sidelines. With a slimmer field in front of the cameras, voters are likely to get a clearer sense of how these six stack up against one another in the crowded primary.
Where to watch
ABC7 Los Angeles says viewers can catch the debate live on ABC7 or stream it through the ABC7 Los Angeles app. Univision 34/KMEX Los Angeles will carry the event as the official Spanish-language broadcaster. The station says the program will zero in on the issues driving the race as voters gear up to mark their primary ballots.
Why it matters
The debate hits just ahead of California's statewide primary, set for June 2, 2026, according to the California Secretary of State. With so many names on the ballot, CalMatters has flagged a key dynamic: a fractured Democratic field could give an edge to more unified Republican support, a theme likely to surface repeatedly on the USC stage.
The ABC7–USC showdown is one of several big forums before voters head to the polls. KTVU already hosted an earlier debate in San Francisco on Feb. 3, featuring a somewhat different mix of contenders. Expect the March 24 event to sharpen contrasts on housing, public safety, and the economy as campaigns hunt for momentum ahead of the June 2 primary.
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