Nexstar to Produce California Gubernatorial Debate

The debate will air statewide across Nexstar stations and be moderated by anchors from Sacramento and Los Angeles.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:22pm

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Nexstar Media Group announced that its local TV station in San Francisco will produce a debate involving California gubernatorial candidates this spring, moderated by news anchors from Sacramento and Los Angeles. The debate will air live across several Nexstar-owned television stations in California on April 22 at 7 p.m. Pacific Time.

Why it matters

The debate will give California voters a chance to hear directly from the candidates seeking to be the state's next governor, providing an important platform for policy discussions ahead of the election.

The details

The event, titled 'Debate Night in California: The Race for Governor,' will originate from the studios of Nexstar-owned CW Network affiliate KRON-TV in San Francisco. It will be co-moderated by Nikki Laurenzo, the host of Nexstar's 'Inside California Politics' program, and Frank Buckley, the morning news anchor at KTLA in Los Angeles. Candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements, including earning at least 5% support in Nexstar's March statewide poll. Five candidates have qualified for invitations: U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (D), former Fox News host Steve Hilton (R), Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco (R), investor and environmental advocate Tom Steyer (D), and U.S. Representative Katie Porter (D).

  • The debate will air live on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 7 p.m. Pacific Time.
  • Nexstar announced the debate on March 16, 2026.

The players

Nexstar Media Group

A media company that owns and operates television stations across the United States, including several in California.

Nikki Laurenzo

The host of Nexstar's 'Inside California Politics' program, who will co-moderate the debate.

Frank Buckley

The morning news anchor at KTLA in Los Angeles, who will also co-moderate the debate.

Eric Swalwell

A U.S. Representative who has qualified for an invitation to participate in the debate.

Steve Hilton

A former Fox News host who has qualified for an invitation to participate in the debate.

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What they’re saying

“Nexstar is extremely pleased to be able to offer this forum for California voters to hear from the candidates seeking to be Governor of the state. These types of events give voters an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates about important issues affecting them and they are a clear demonstration of our commitment to serve local communities across the state.”

— Andrew Alford, President of Nexstar's broadcasting division (thedesk.net)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This debate will provide an important platform for California voters to hear directly from the candidates seeking to be the state's next governor, allowing them to make informed decisions ahead of the election.