Candidates for California Governor Debate Central Valley Issues

Six candidates for California governor discussed agriculture, water, energy, and affordability at a forum in Fresno.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:48am

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Six candidates vying to succeed Gavin Newsom as California governor made their pitch to Central Valley voters at a candidate forum Wednesday at Fresno State. The four Democrats and two Republicans were asked about key state issues including agriculture, water, energy prices, regulation, and affordability.

Why it matters

The Central Valley is a crucial agricultural region in California, and the candidates' positions on issues like water management, energy costs, and regulation will have a major impact on the local economy and community. This forum provided an opportunity for voters to hear directly from the candidates on their plans for supporting the Valley’s farmers and residents.

The details

Candidates shared personal connections to the Central Valley and outlined their policy proposals. Some, like Becerra and Villaraigosa, emphasized their familiarity with the region, while others, like Mahan, Porter, and Hilton, spoke of their farming backgrounds. The candidates debated issues like water management, SGMA regulations, energy costs, and housing affordability. Bianco and Hilton promised to roll back regulations, while Becerra, Mahan, and Porter discussed ways to boost water infrastructure and housing construction.

  • The candidate forum took place on Wednesday, April 2, 2026 at Fresno State University.

The players

Xavier Becerra

A Democratic candidate for California governor, Becerra previously served as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and California Secretary of State. He emphasized his personal ties to the Central Valley as the son of a farmworker.

Chad Bianco

A Republican candidate for California governor, Bianco is the current Riverside County Sheriff. He promised to roll back regulations impacting Valley farmers if elected.

Steve Hilton

A Republican candidate for California governor, Hilton is a former Fox News host. He proposed completing the Folsom South Canal to bring more water to the state and eliminating the state income tax for those earning under $100,000.

Matt Mahan

A Democratic candidate for California governor, Mahan is the current mayor of San Jose. He discussed plans to invest in water infrastructure and reform environmental regulations like CEQA to boost housing construction.

Katie Porter

A Democratic candidate for California governor, Porter previously served as a U.S. Representative from Orange County. She called for urban and suburban communities to do more to address California's water challenges.

Antonio Villaraigosa

A Democratic candidate for California governor, Villaraigosa is the former mayor of Los Angeles and former Speaker of the California State Assembly. He proposed a moratorium on CARB regulations that drive up costs and a gas rebate for prices over $5.50 per gallon.

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What they’re saying

“Here’s my promise to you: You’re going to have a Valley kid sitting at that governor’s desk. And he’s going to invite you to be part of that, because I’ve always been part of the Valley.”

— Xavier Becerra

“I am giving you your farms back.”

— Chad Bianco

“We need to also ask our urban and suburban communities to innovate.”

— Katie Porter

The takeaway

The Central Valley candidate forum highlighted the importance of agricultural, water, energy, and affordability issues in the upcoming California gubernatorial election. The candidates presented a range of policy proposals, from rolling back regulations to boosting infrastructure investment, that will shape the future of the region.