CNN to Host California Governor Debate
Debate Airs on Wednesday, September 30 at 9pmET/6pmPT
Debate to Air Live on CNN, CNN International, CNN en Español, and streaming for subscribers
Los Angeles, CA – (September 8, 2026) – CNN will host a California Governor Debate on Wednesday, September 30th at 9pmET/6pmPT from the network’s studios in Los Angeles.
The one-hour debate between Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton will provide California voters an important opportunity to hear directly from the candidates running to serve as Governor of the nation’s most populous state. CNN Anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash will serve as moderators. The debate will air live on CNN, CNN International, CNN en Español and streaming for subscribers.
Invitations for candidates to participate in CNN’s California Governor Debate have been issued based upon the criteria set forth below:
- Must meet the requirements outlined by the California Secretary of State.
- Must have raised, contributed or loaned at least $1 million for this specific campaign.
- Must have received at least 15 percent support among registered or likely voters in two polls conducted by polling organizations whose methodology meet CNN’s standards for reporting.
Polls used to determine eligibility for the debate must have been released on or after June 3, 2026.
A CNN SPECIAL EVENT: The California Governor Debate will stream live for CNN’s streaming and pay TV subscribers via CNN.com, CNN connected TV and mobile apps. Following the live event, the debate will be available on demand to CNN’s streaming and pay TV subscribers via CNN.com, CNN connected TV and mobile apps, and Cable Operator Platforms.
Debate Press Contact:
Anna.Jager@cnn.com