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GET TO KNOW THE CANDIDATES
This year, we're trying something different.
As the primary election draws near, you'll likely hear about, and even watch, a number of debates between candidates seeking office. There's no question that debates have their place, letting voters hear from multiple candidates on a range of issues in a short period of time.
Still, debates rarely allow candidates to explain their platforms in depth, without worrying about how much airtime they are capturing.
This year, LAist has partnered with Loyola Marymount University for a series of one-on-one conversations with candidates vying to be the next governor of California.
These longform conversations allow candidates the breathing room to make their best case to voters like you and go into greater detail on the ways they are hoping to govern the state, their reasons for running. These conversations are taking place over the next month in front of a live audience and will be added to this page as they take place.
Larry Mantle is serving as the mediator of these conversations. He has hosted AirTalk on LAist 89.3 for more than 40 years and brings a lifetime's worth of experience living in and reporting on California to the table.
About the conversations
Candidates from across the political spectrum who meet a combination of polling and funding thresholds have been invited to participate in this conversation series. We'll continue to publish those conversations as they take place over coming weeks.
Next week: Gubernatorial hopefuls Katie Porter and Betty Yee are scheduled for conversations with Mantle.
Candidates will appear in alphabetical order below.
Meet the candidates
Larry Mantle interviewed Xavier Becerra on April 13 at Loyola Marymount University.
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Courtesy Devin Feil
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LMU
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Xavier Becerra
Former Secretary of Health and Human Services
The basics: Becerra served as the 25th U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services from March 2021 to January 2025. He previously served as the California's attorney general from January 2017 until March 2021, and also 12 terms in the U.S. House representing east, northeast and downtown Los Angeles.
Listen to the full interview below:
Listen
25:45
Xavier Becerra's full interview with Larry Mantle
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The California gubernatorial candidate and former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services discussed healthcare costs, gas prices and more.
More voter resources:
Larry Mantle interviewed Antonio Villaraigosa on April 13 at Loyola Marymount University.
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Courtesy Devin Feil
/
LMU
)
Antonio Villaraigosa
Former Los Angeles Mayor
The basics: Villaraigosa served as mayor of Los Angeles from 2005 to 2013. He served three terms prior in the California state assembly where he held its top position as speaker for the final two years. This is his second run for governor, having run eight years ago when Gavin Newsom was elected.
Listen to the full interview below:
Listen
25:18
Antonio Villaraigosa's full interview with Larry Mantle
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California gubernatorial candidate and former L.A. mayor covered topics ranging from the state's gas taxes to how he'd interact with President Trump.
More voter resources:
Interviews are occurring throughout April and will be made available here as they happen.
What questions do you have about this election?
You ask, and we'll answer: Whether it's about who's funding the campaigns or how to track your ballot, we're here to help you understand the 2026 election