Regional Directors Statewide Candidate Forums
Livestreamed Saturday, February 14, 2026
Chapters
0:00:00 – Welcome
0:01:51 – Governor Candidates
1:41:58 – Close
Questions
1) Affordability—such as in housing, healthcare, childcare, and utilities—is the top concern for many Californians. What is one concrete action you would take in your first year to measurably reduce costs for working families, and how would you hold your administration accountable to actually see results?
2) California leads on climate action, but the costs and benefits are unevenly distributed. What is one climate policy you would prioritize that both accelerates emissions reduction and delivers tangible economic benefits to frontline and working-class communities?
3) Democrats often pass strong policy but, like many public servants, we often struggle with implementation. What is one large, complex initiative you have led that required managing people, budgets, and institutions—and how does that experience prepare you to govern California effectively?
4) Many of California’s biggest challenges—housing, homelessness, transportation—are implemented locally. How would you use the Governor’s office to align state goals with local action, and what would you do when progress stalls?
5) California’s top-two primary system creates a real risk that when many candidates from one party run, the general election may not reflect the will of that party’s voters. There has been valid criticism that there are too many Democratic candidates in this race, and unless some drop out by the close of filing, there is a real chance, however small, that it could leave us with NO options in the general election. How do you assess that risk in this race, and what responsibility—if any—do Democratic candidates have to ensure that voters have the chance to vote for a Democrat in the general election?
Other Forums
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: These candidate forums are not sponsored by, endorsed by, affiliated with, authorized by, or coordinated with the California Democratic Party (CADEM/CDP), its Executive Board, its staff, or any of its official bodies. Nothing in these forums or any related materials should be interpreted as implying the California Democratic Party endorsement, sponsorship, approval, or involvement of any kind. The California Democratic Party is neither liable nor responsible for any information shared at these forums or the planning thereof.
These forums are an independent project organized by a coalition of individuals who hold the title of Regional Director but are acting solely in their individual capacities. Any use of the term “Regional Director” is for identification purposes only and does not imply that the California Democratic Party is involved in, connected to, associated with, or supportive of these events.
These forums are being organized in response to numerous requests from delegates and candidates seeking additional opportunities for candidates to inform the delegates on their platforms, policies, and positions in advance of the 2026 Endorsing Convention.