California Governor Debate: Submit Your Questions for the Candidates

Californians have an opportunity to directly engage with the candidates vying to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, who is ineligible for a third term due to state term limits. A televised gubernatorial debate hosted by FOX 11 and KTVU FOX 2 will feature six major candidates: Antonio Villaraigosa, Betty Yee, Steve Hilton, Xavier Becerra, Tom Steyer, and Tony Thurmond. The debate is scheduled to air live on February 3, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. Viewers can submit questions for the candidates to be considered for live response during the broadcast.

The primary election for California governor will take place on June 2, 2026. Under the state’s top-two primary system, the two candidates receiving the most votes—regardless of party affiliation—will advance to the general election in November 2026. This race has drawn national attention as Republicans seek to break a long drought, having not won a statewide election in California since 2006 or held a statewide office since 2011.

Key issues expected to dominate the debate include housing affordability, homelessness, crime, and the overall cost of living in California. FOX 11 and KTVU FOX 2 encourage public participation through their online submission portal, where residents can send in questions they would like the moderators to pose to the candidates. Selected questions may be read aloud and answered live during the debate.

The debate will be available for live viewing on FOX 11, KTVU FOX 2, and via the FOX LOCAL app. Moderators for the event include Greg Lee and Andre Senior from KTVU, along with Marla Tellez from FOX 11.

As the nation’s most populous state prepares to choose its next leader, this debate offers a critical platform for voters to hear directly from those seeking to shape California’s future on pressing challenges facing communities across the state.