ABC7, USC to host California gubernatorial debate on March 24

ABC7 is partnering with the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future to host a gubernatorial debate featuring six candidates vying to become California's next governor. "

Your Voice, Your Vote: Race for Governor 2026" will take place Tuesday, March 24, at 5 p.m. and will be moderated by ABC7 anchor Marc Brown. He will be joined by ABC7 Eywitness News political reporter Monica Madden, ABC30 Central California anchor Warren Armstrong and Noticiero N+ Univision 34 Los Angeles anchor Gabriela Teissier, who will ask questions as panelists.

The six candidates who will be in the debate include:

Chad Bianco (R), Riverside County sheriff Steve Hilton (R), Fox News contributor and former adviser to British Prime Minister David CameronMatt Mahan (D), mayor of San JoseKatie Porter (D), former U.S. representative for California's 47th Congressional DistrictTom Steyer (D), entrepreneur and former presidential candidateEric Swalwell (D), U.S. representative for California's 14th Congressional District.

Candidates were invited based on independent and objective criteria developed by USC Professor Christian Grose and the USC Democracy and Fair Elections Lab, at the request of the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future.

The debate will focus on key issues shaping the race as voters prepare to cast their ballots in the primary election on June 2. The general election takes place Nov. 3.

Viewers can watch the debate live on ABC7 or stream it live with the ABC7 Eyewitness News app.