CNN to Host California Governor's Debate May 5th as Democrats Worry About Split Vote

CNN will host a debate next month for candidates in California's governor's race, set for May 5th in the Los Angeles area. CNN anchors Elex Michaelson and Kaitlan Collins will moderate.

The race is a crowded one. Eight candidates are currently running, including two Republicans, Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, and six Democrats, Katie Porter, Eric Swalwell, Tom Steyer, Xavier Becerra, Matt Mahan, and Antonio Villaraigosa.

That long list of Democratic names is fueling growing anxiety within the party. California holds non-partisan primaries, meaning the two candidates with the most votes advance to the general election regardless of party. If Democrats split their vote too many ways, two Republican candidates could advance, potentially putting a Trump-aligned governor in a state that voted against Donald Trump by more than 20% points in 2024.

The primary is June 2nd.