News Summary
Six candidates for the California gubernatorial race convened at the California Business Outlook dinner. They addressed pressing issues such as the state’s high cost of living, housing crisis, and healthcare, in light of Kamala Harris’s potential candidacy. Moderated by John Myers, the panel highlighted differing views among candidates on strategies to tackle these challenges and the implications for the upcoming elections.
California recently hosted a significant panel discussion as six candidates for the gubernatorial race convened at the California Business Outlook dinner on June 4, 2025. The event brought together prominent political figures amid discussions of key issues facing the state, attracting attention from business leaders and the public alike.
The candidates who participated included Toni Atkins, a former Senate President Pro-Tem; Chad Bianco, Riverside Sheriff; Steve Hilton, an author and business founder; Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis; Katie Porter, a former U.S. Representative; and Antonio Villaraigosa, former Mayor of Los Angeles. The panel was moderated by John Myers, senior vice president of communications and external affairs for CalChamber.
At the event, Liz Snow marked her new role as the Senior Vice President of Political Affairs at CalChamber, emphasizing the organization’s ongoing efforts to streamline regulatory processes. Other discussions included the importance of addressing workplace violence prevention standards, illustrating the breadth of topics affecting both business and public health.
The political landscape in California is currently in flux, particularly with speculation surrounding Kamala Harris, the current Vice President, who has yet to announce her run for governor. While some Democratic insiders are concerned that her potential candidacy could impact vulnerable Democrats in upcoming elections, others believe her experience would make her a formidable candidate. Harris has also been considered for a 2028 presidential bid, showcasing the complexity of her political future.
Insights from the event revealed a consensus among the candidates on the pressing need to tackle the state’s high cost of living, though they disagreed on strategies like raising the minimum wage. The candidates presented varied opinions on many other issues, including the handling of COVID-19 school district closures and approaches to homelessness and affordable housing.
During the discussion, Lt. Governor Kounalakis highlighted her experience in real estate development and outlined how she believes it could aid in increasing housing affordability, which is crucial to finding solutions to the housing crisis in California. A single-payer healthcare system was also brought up, with all four Democratic candidates expressing support for exploring this option as part of their campaigns.
The candidates differed in their perspectives regarding Proposition 36, which relates to repetitive theft and the fentanyl crisis. Such divisions illustrate the varying ideologies within the Democratic Party, even among candidates who generally align on several key issues.
As the California Democratic primary approaches in June 2026, the field of gubernatorial candidates may expand, with potential new entrants on the horizon. California has not elected a Republican to a statewide office since 2006, indicating a strong dominant presence of Democrats in the region’s political landscape.
In the backdrop of this election cycle, the attention on both the candidates and the potential impact of Harris’s possible gubernatorial campaign reflects the high stakes involved for California’s future leadership. All eyes are now on where each candidate will position themselves in response to the public’s pressing concerns and how they navigate their political strategies leading up to the pivotal election.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The New York Times: Kamala Harris and California’s Governor Race
- Los Angeles Times: California Governor’s Race Candidates
- Spectrum News 1: Eleni Kounalakis Drops Out of Governor’s Race
- Google Search: California Governor’s Race 2026
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Governor
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
