At an economic forum in Stockton on Thursday, four California gubernatorial candidates clashed over climate change and wildfire preparedness, but all acknowledged the serious problems facing the state.
Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco set himself apart from the other three candidates, all Democrats, at the California Economic Summit by questioning whether California’s devastating wildfires are linked to climate change and labeling some environmental activists “terrorists.”
After several audience members roared over Bianco’s “terrorist” remarks, the Democratic candidates used the opportunity to reaffirm their beliefs on global warming.
“The effects of climate change are proven and cannot be denied,” said Tony Thurmond, a Democrat and California Superintendent of Public Instruction. “You can call it whatever you want. It’s our new normal.”
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said the fires “certainly have something to do with climate change.”
Besides environmental issues, the hour-and-a-half forum at the business-focused California Forward Economic Summit focused largely on “checkbook” topics, with candidates, including former Secretary of State Betty Yee, presenting bleak statistics on poverty and homelessness in California.
Since the forum was held in the Central Valley, the focus was on agricultural industry and rural issues.
Bianco harshly criticized the state and Democratic leaders for their handling of California’s water management and gasoline prices. At one point, he told the audience he felt like he was in the “Twilight Zone” after taking the stage to propose ways for Democrats to increase revenue.
Other candidates in the 2026 California gubernatorial race did not attend Thursday’s debate, including former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and former Rep. Katie Porter. Former Congressional Majority Leader Ian Calderon was also scheduled to come, but the audience was told his flight from Los Angeles was delayed.
Everyone is competing to lead a state that continues to run budget deficits due to overspending. A report from the state Legislative Analysis Service released this month predicted annual operating deficits of about $15 billion to $25 billion through 2029. At the same time, the Trump administration’s cuts to California’s indigent programs, including Medi-Cal, a federal health care program for the state, will further strain the state’s coffers.
During the afternoon event, all of the candidates presented different pitches. Asked by moderator Jeanne Quan (CalMatters correspondent) about ways to support rural communities, Thurmond cited plans to build housing on surplus state-owned property. He also reiterated the expansion of tax credits and other subsidies for organizations, including day care providers.
Mr. Yee talked about wildfires, hardening homes and creating an industry around making the state fireproof. Mr. Yee received applause for questioning why education was not discussed more in the gubernatorial race.
Villaraigosa cited his work in finding federal funding to build rail and subway lines throughout Los Angeles and signaled he would focus on expanding the state’s power grid and transportation infrastructure.
Both the former mayor and Mr. Yee sided with Mr. Bianco in part when he complained about the state’s “overregulation,” including restrictions on developers, builders and small businesses.
Few voters are likely paying attention to this contest, as the fight over Proposition 50 dominates the headlines and campaign spending.
Voters will decide whether to support the proposal on Nov. 4. The proposal is a Democratic-led effort to gerrymander California’s congressional districts to blunt President Trump’s attempts to rig elections in the Republican-led state to maintain a House majority.
“Frankly, no one is paying attention to the gubernatorial race right now,” Yee said at an event last week.
