CNN to Host California Gubernatorial Primary Debate, Offering Voters Key Insights
CNN has announced it will host a California Gubernatorial Primary Debate on May 5, 2026, from the Los Angeles area. This event will provide voters with a significant opportunity to hear directly from candidates vying to lead California, the most populous state in the U.S. The debate will be moderated by CNN Anchors Elex Michaelson and Kaitlan Collins and will be broadcast live on CNN, CNN International, and CNN en Español. It will also be available for streaming to CNN's subscribers. To participate, candidates must meet specific criteria, including requirements set by the California Secretary of State, raising or contributing at least $1 million for their campaign, and achieving at least three percent support in recognized polls. The eligibility window for candidates to qualify for the debate closes on April 27, 2026.