Full Breakdown
Upcoming Gubernatorial Debates in California and Georgia
4/14/2026, 1:02:06 AM
California Gubernatorial Debate Overview
Nexstar Media Group is set to host a gubernatorial candidate debate in California on April 22, 2026, starting at 7 p.m. Pacific Time. The event, titled “Debate Night in California: The Race for Governor,” will be broadcast across several Nexstar-owned TV stations, including KTLA in Los Angeles, KSWB in San Diego, KTXL in Sacramento, KGET in Bakersfield, and KSEE in Fresno. The debate will originate from KRON in San Francisco and will also be available on Nexstar’s cable news outlet, NewsNation, and livestreamed on The Hill.
Candidates participating in the debate include Sheriff Chad Bianco, former Fox News host Steve Hilton, former U.S. Representative Katie Porter, and philanthropist Tom Steyer. All candidates have met a minimum polling threshold of 5% in a statewide poll conducted by Nexstar in March. The debate will be moderated by Nikki Laurenzo of KTXL and Frank Buckley of KTLA. Pre- and post-debate coverage will be provided by Chris Cuomo and Leland Vittert, with Katie Pavlich hosting a special edition of her show afterward.
Georgia Gubernatorial Debate Overview
In Georgia, a Democratic gubernatorial debate is scheduled for April 15, 2026, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. This debate will be hosted by 11Alive, 13WMAZ, and Nexstar Media Group, taking place in Atlanta. The candidates who qualified to participate are former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, and DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. These candidates were selected based on objective criteria, including legal qualifications, public announcement of candidacy, active campaigning, and measurable voter support.
The debate will be moderated by Zach Merchant and Faith Jessie, and it will be broadcast across various local stations in Georgia, including WATL, WMAZ, WJBF, WRBL, and WSAV. It will also be available for streaming on 11Alive+ and other platforms.
Importance of the Debates
Both debates are significant as they provide candidates with a platform to present their policies and engage with voters ahead of the primaries. In California, the gubernatorial race is particularly notable due to the recent exit of Democrat Eric Swalwell amid sexual misconduct allegations, which has reshaped the competitive landscape. In Georgia, the outcome of the Democratic primary is expected to influence the broader political landscape, especially with the 2028 presidential election on the horizon.
Official Statements & Responses
Nexstar Media Group emphasized its commitment to fair and open debates, stating that the criteria for candidate participation are designed to ensure transparency and inclusivity. Similarly, the organizers of the Georgia debate highlighted their goal of informing the public and assisting voters in making informed electoral decisions.
Criticism & Opposition
While the debates aim to provide a platform for candidates, some critics have raised concerns about the transparency of the polling methods used to determine candidate eligibility. Questions have also been raised regarding the lack of public input in the debate format, particularly in Georgia, where voters will not be able to submit questions directly.
What's Next
Following the California debate on April 22, CNN will host another gubernatorial debate on May 5, featuring the same candidates. In Georgia, the results of the April 15 debate will play a crucial role in shaping voter opinions as the primary election approaches in May.
