California Primary Debate 2026 LIVE: LA Mayor & Governor Candidates Clash Ahead of June 2 Election
California Primary Debate 2026: When and Where to Watch
California primary debate 2026 begins May 6, with Los Angeles mayoral candidates at 5 PM PT and the governor debate at 7 PM PT. Officials confirmed both events will be held at the Skirball Cultural Center and streamed statewide.
LA Mayor Debate Candidates Take Center Stage
Incumbent Karen Bass faces Nithya Raman and media personality Spencer Pratt. The race has intensified after criticism of wildfire response and rising homelessness concerns across Los Angeles.
Governor Debate 2026: Who’s Running?
Seven candidates are competing to replace Gavin Newsom. The lineup includes Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter, Antonio Villaraigosa, and others from both parties.
Key Issues Driving Voter Decisions
Moderators will focus on wildfire policy, immigration, public safety, and cost of living—issues shaping voter sentiment ahead of the June 2 election. Candidates qualified after crossing 5% polling thresholds in official surveys.
Why This Debate Matters Before June 2
With California’s top-two primary system, only the leading candidates advance. Election officials say voter turnout could hinge on debate performance, making this one of the most critical political events before ballots are cast.
