California Gubernatorial Candidates Face Off in Speed Dating Session

Democratic activists get quick pitches from 8 contenders vying for the party's nomination

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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In a speed-dating style event at the California Democratic Party convention in San Francisco, eight major Democratic candidates for governor took turns making brief pitches to thousands of party activists. The candidates sought to establish their relatability and progressive credentials, with many taking aim at former President Donald Trump. However, the event failed to produce a clear frontrunner, as no candidate secured the 60% support needed for the party's endorsement.

Why it matters

The California governor's race has been a low-profile affair so far, but this event marked a shift as the candidates sought to generate more enthusiasm and attention from the party's base ahead of the June primary. With no obvious frontrunner, the large field of Democrats raises the possibility of a Republican sneaking through to the general election via the state's top-two primary system, which has Democrats concerned.

The details

At the convention, each of the eight major Democratic candidates for governor - including former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, and Reps. Katie Porter and Eric Swalwell - had less than four minutes to make their pitch to the crowd. The candidates highlighted their personal backgrounds and progressive policy proposals, with many taking aim at former President Trump. Porter even held up a whiteboard with an expletive directed at Trump. However, the event failed to produce a clear frontrunner, as no candidate reached the 60% threshold needed for the party's endorsement.

  • The California Democratic Party convention took place on Saturday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Antonio Villaraigosa

Former mayor of Los Angeles.

Tony Thurmond

State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Katie Porter

Former U.S. Representative from Orange County.

Eric Swalwell

U.S. Representative from Dublin, California.

Xavier Becerra

Former California Attorney General and current U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary.

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What they’re saying

“His attacks on our schools, our health care and his politics of fear and bullying has to stop now.”

— Antonio Villaraigosa, Former Mayor of Los Angeles (Los Angeles Times)

“Together, we're going to kick Trump's ass in November.”

— Katie Porter, Former U.S. Representative (Los Angeles Times)

“You're not going to vote for a Democrat who praises ICE, are you?”

— Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

The California Democratic Party will hold its primary election on June 2, 2026, where voters will choose the party's nominee for governor.

The takeaway

The speed-dating style event at the California Democratic Party convention highlighted the large and diverse field of candidates vying for the party's gubernatorial nomination, but failed to produce a clear frontrunner. With no candidate securing the party's endorsement, the race remains wide open heading into the June primary, raising concerns among Democrats about the possibility of a Republican advancing to the general election.