Two Fresno Gubernatorial Candidate Forums Held

California's top candidates for governor face off on rural issues and the state's future.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:04am

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The race for California governor heated up on Wednesday with two candidate forums taking place in Fresno. The first forum, hosted by the Western Growers Association and 30 farm groups, featured Republican candidates Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco as well as Democrats Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter, Matt Mahan, and Antonio Villaraigosa. The second forum, held at Fresno City College, focused on issues like job creation, immigration, and agriculture.

Why it matters

These forums provide an important opportunity for California voters to hear directly from the leading gubernatorial candidates on the key issues facing the state, especially in rural areas like the Central Valley. The forums allow the candidates to outline their policy platforms and engage in direct dialogue with constituents.

The details

The first forum at Fresno State was moderated by former North Valley Assemblymember Kristin Olsen-Cate and Fresno County Supervisor Buddy Mendes, and focused on 'Affordability and Rural California.' The second forum at Fresno City College covered a broader range of topics including job creation, immigration, and agriculture.

  • The first gubernatorial forum took place on Wednesday, April 2, 2026 at Fresno State.
  • The second gubernatorial forum was held on Wednesday, April 2, 2026 at 5:30 PM at Fresno City College.

The players

Steve Hilton

A Republican candidate for California governor.

Chad Bianco

A Republican candidate for California governor.

Xavier Becerra

A Democratic candidate for California governor.

Katie Porter

A Democratic candidate for California governor.

Matt Mahan

A Democratic candidate for California governor.

Antonio Villaraigosa

A Democratic candidate for California governor.

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What they’re saying

“These forums provide an important opportunity for California voters to hear directly from the leading gubernatorial candidates on the key issues facing the state, especially in rural areas like the Central Valley.”

— Kristin Olsen-Cate, Former North Valley Assemblymember

“The forums allow the candidates to outline their policy platforms and engage in direct dialogue with constituents.”

— Buddy Mendes, Fresno County Supervisor

What’s next

The candidates will continue to participate in forums and debates across California as they make their final push ahead of the gubernatorial election.

The takeaway

These Fresno forums give voters in the Central Valley a chance to directly engage with the leading candidates for California governor and understand their positions on the key issues facing rural communities.