CNN will televise California gubernatorial primary debate in May

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CNN will host a California gubernatorial primary debate May 5.

I’m really looking forward to the debate! It’s scheduled for 6 p.m. Pacific Time, and while the exact location in the Los Angeles area is still being finalized, I know it’s going to be a great event. Elex Michaelson and Kaitlan Collins from CNN will be leading the discussion, which I think is fantastic – they’re both really sharp moderators.

You can watch the debate live on CNN, CNN International, and CNN en Español. If you don’t have cable, it will also be available on CNN’s streaming service.

To qualify, candidates need to show at least 3% support in two separate polls of likely primary voters. This can be achieved by reaching 3% in each of two polls, or by averaging 3% across two polls. These polls must be conducted and released between February 1st and April 27th, and they need to meet CNN’s standards for polling methodology.

To qualify, candidates need to have raised, donated, or loaned their campaigns a minimum of $1 million, according to data from the California Secretary of State.

Hollywood Inc.

Major changes are coming to two TV news organizations as they merge under new ownership by Paramount, who acquired Warner Bros. Discovery. These changes will likely include job losses and pressure to appeal to Donald Trump.

California’s unique primary system, often called a “jungle primary,” allows candidates from any party to run on the same ballot. The two candidates with the most votes then advance to the general election in November, even if they both belong to the same political party.

A new poll from UC Berkeley and The Times shows conservative commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco are currently the frontrunners in the race.

According to the latest poll, six Democratic candidates have met the requirements to participate in the CNN debate. These candidates are Congressman Eric Swalwell, former Representative Katie Porter, philanthropist Tom Steyer, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa, and San José Mayor Matt Mahan.

CNN doesn’t usually broadcast debates for state-level candidates, but they feel the California election is important enough to share with a national audience.

According to CNN’s David Chalian, California is home to about one in eight Americans and faces some of the nation’s toughest issues. Its unique primary system encourages a broad range of ideas and solutions, which will likely have a significant impact on this important election year.

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2026-04-06 16:31