CNN will host a California gubernatorial primary debate next month, positioning the event as a potential inflection point in a crowded race that has raised concerns among Democrats about a possible Republican breakthrough.
The two-hour debate is scheduled for May 5 at 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time (9:00 p.m. Eastern Time), less than a month before the state’s primary, which will take place on June 2.
The event will take place in the Los Angeles area and air across CNN’s domestic and international platforms, with additional streaming availability for subscribers. Anchors Elex Michaelson and Kaitlan Collins will serve as moderators, the network said in a press release.
CNN has established a set of eligibility requirements tied to ballot access, fundraising and polling performance. Candidates must meet criteria outlined by the California Secretary of State, raise or contribute at least $1 million to their campaign and demonstrate at least 3 percent support among likely primary voters in two qualifying polls — or average that level across two surveys conducted by organizations that meet CNN’s editorial standards. Eligible polls must be released between February 1 and April 27, when the qualification window closes.
Eight candidates — six Democrats and two Republicans — have met those thresholds so far. On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News host Steve Hilton have qualified. Democrats who have met the criteria include former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, San José Mayor Matt Mahan, former Representative Katie Porter, former presidential candidate Tom Steyer, Representative Eric Swalwell and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
The breadth of the Democratic field has emerged as a source of concern within the party. California’s nonpartisan primary system advances the top two vote-getters to the general election regardless of party affiliation, raising the possibility that a fragmented Democratic vote could allow both Republicans to advance.
Such an outcome could reshape the race in a state that voted against Donald Trump by more than 20 percentage points in 2024 and potentially complicate the national political ambitions of Governor Gavin Newsom, who is widely viewed as a potential 2028 presidential contender. Trump on Monday endorsed Hilton, a move that could further influence the dynamics of the contest.
CNN said the debate will also be available on demand beginning May 6 across its digital and connected TV platforms. Nexstar Media Group is hosting a similar gubernatorial debate with select candidates that is scheduled to take place on April 22.
CNN is owned by Warner Bros Discovery.
