Updated on: April 22, 2026 / 11:39 PM EDT / CBS News California
CBS News California Investigates has launched an interactive tool to help voters navigate the crowded 2026 gubernatorial race by presenting extended candidate responses on major issues ahead of a high-profile debate hosted by CBS-owned California stations.
The California Governor’s Race Candidate Guide compiles more than 20 hours of interviews with top-polling candidates and presents them side-by-side, issue by issue. Developed by CBS News California Investigates, the guide lets users compare full answers and follow-up responses drawn from in-depth interviews conducted over six months.
The guide’s launch comes as the governor’s race intensifies and ahead of an April 28 gubernatorial debate hosted by CBS-owned California stations in partnership with the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs (APAPA) and Pomona College. The debate is expected to feature Democrats Xavier Becerra, Matt Mahan, Tom Steyer, Tony Thurmond and Antonio Villaraigosa, and Republicans Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton. Democratic candidate Katie Porter was invited but has not formally accepted.
Designed to complement the debate, the guide addresses limits of debate formats by offering longer, uncut responses. Led by CBS News California Investigates correspondent Julie Watts, the interview series covers more than a dozen issues identified by viewers, policymakers and community leaders, including homelessness; housing affordability; gas prices and environmental policy; immigration; health care for undocumented immigrants; crime and public safety funding; and California’s insurance crisis.
The guide allows users to select specific candidates to view extended responses to the same questions and follow-ups, providing a clearer view of policy positions and how contenders handle questioning. CBS News California will use the tool during the debate broadcast, with anchors directing viewers to CBSNews.com/CAgov to create a two-part experience: a live debate with real-time exchanges and an on-demand digital component for deeper exploration.
Development of the interview series began in 2025 after Watts moderated an APAPA educational gubernatorial forum. Watts conducted interviews with 15 candidates, eight of whom have active campaigns and will appear on the ballot; those eight were invited to the April 28 debate.