United Way California Capital Region invited all gubernatorial candidates who met objective eligibility criteria for this nonpartisan interview series. Candidates featured on this page chose to participate. Candidates who met the eligibility criteria but are not featured either declined or did not respond to the invitation.
All participating candidates were offered the same interview format, the same general rules, and equal opportunity to participate. Participation in this series does not constitute endorsement by United Way California Capital Region, CBS Sacramento, or any partner organization. The views expressed are those of the candidates alone.
All candidates were offered the opportunity to participate in person at the CBS Sacramento studio. Some candidates elected to participate remotely, and those interviews are identified accordingly.
This interview series was conducted as a nonpartisan public education effort in compliance with 501(c)(3) requirements. United Way California Capital Region and CBS Sacramento do not support or oppose any candidate for public office.
About the CBS News Sacramento and United Way California Capital Region Interview Series
This California gubernatorial interview series was organized as a nonpartisan civic education initiative to provide the public with an opportunity to hear directly from candidates on issues affecting California communities.
The series was designed to offer a structured, equitable, and credible platform for substantive policy discussion while maintaining neutrality and consistent treatment across candidates. United Way California Capital Region does not support or oppose any candidate for public office, and inclusion in this series does not imply endorsement.
Interviews were conducted by Dr. Dawnté Early, President & CEO, United Way California Capital Region and Steve Large, CBS News California. Each interview is 30 minutes in length. Questions focus on major policy issues relevant to California communities, including economic mobility, housing, health, education, and family stability.
Interviews were recorded April 13–16, 2026, at the CBS Sacramento studio in West Sacramento, or remotely if requested.
Participation in the interview series was limited to candidates who satisfied United Way California Capital Region’s previously established, objective eligibility criteria by the announced deadline. These criteria were established in advance to ensure a fair, neutral, nonpartisan, and transparent process and were applied uniformly and non-arbitrarily to all candidates.
The following gubernatorial candidates, listed in alphabetical order, met the eligibility criteria and were invited to participate: Chad Bianco, Xavier Becerra, Steve Hilton, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Eric Swalwell, Tom Steyer, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa and Betty Yee.
Links & Resources:
👉 Visit the CA Secretary of State website for more information on the election: sos.ca.gov/elections
👉 Learn more about our work: yourlocalunitedway.org
👉 Thank you to CBS News Sacramento for their partnership on this series: cbsnews.com/sacramento