AFSCME CA Gubernatorial Candidate Forum

The weekend of October 4, AFSCME California PEOPLE held a gubernatorial candidate forum. Members from different AFSCME affiliates asked questions about what matters to working families to candidates vying for the governor's office.

The candidates were:

• Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra
• Former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter
• Former California State Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon
• California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond
• Former California State Controller Betty Yee
• Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

The candidates shared with AFSCME members their plans to protect working families and public services from funding cuts. They also discussed how they will work to make health care, groceries and rent more affordable.

The election will be held in November 2026. Gov. Gavin Newsom is in his second term and won’t be eligible for reelection.

AFSCME PEOPLE is our union’s political action committee. It’s how we fight for candidates who will fight for us, whether at the federal, state, county or local levels. If you are an AFSCME member — or a family member in your household is an AFSCME member — find out more about PEOPLE and contribute here.