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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.
In order to offer you something deeper, LAist partnered this year with Loyola Marymount University for a series of one-on-one conversations with candidates vying to be the next governor of California.
These long-form conversations allow candidates the breathing room to make their best case to voters like you and to go into greater detail on the ways they are hoping to govern the state and their reasons for running. These conversations are taking place in front of a live audience ahead of the June 2 primary 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 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.
Candidates appear in alphabetical order below.
Meet the candidates
Xavier Becerra
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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Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services
Xavier Becerra served as the 25th U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services from March 2021 to January 2025. He previously served as California's attorney general from January 2017 until March 2021, and also served 12 terms in the U.S. House representing east, northeast and downtown Los Angeles.
Listen to the full interview:
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:
Steve Hilton
Steve Hilton, a Republican candidate for California governor, leaned into President Donald Trump’s endorsement — calling it “a deep honor” — during a televised debate at KRON Studios in San Francisco on April 22, 2026.
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Jason Henry
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Nexstar/Bloomberg
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Political commentator and former U.K. political advisor
Steve Hilton is a British-born political strategist. He helped shape the United Kingdom's Conservative Party under David Cameron from 2010 to 2012. He moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2012 and spent years as a host and political commentator on Fox News.
Listen to the full interview:
Listen
25:58
Steve Hilton's full interview with Austin Cross
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The California gubernatorial candidate and former UK political advisor discussed housing, taxes and more.
More voter resources:
Matt Mahan
California gubernatorial candidate and San Jose mayor Matt Mahan speaks after a gubernatorial debate on April 22, 2026 in San Francisco, California.
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Benjamin Fanjoy/Getty Images
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Getty Images North America
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San Jose mayor
Matt Mahan has served as the mayor of San Jose since 2023. Previously, he was a member of the San Jose City Council and was also co-founder and CEO of civic engagement tech company Brigade Media.
Listen to the full interview:
Listen
26:04
Matt Mahan's full interview with Austin Cross
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The California gubernatorial candidate and San Jose Mayor spoke about homelessness, taxation and more.
More voter resources:
Antonio Villaraigosa
Larry Mantle interviewed Antonio Villaraigosa on April 13 at Loyola Marymount University.
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Courtesy Devin Feil
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LMU
)
Former Los Angeles mayor
Antonio Villaraigosa served as mayor of Los Angeles from 2005 to 2013. He served three terms in the California 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.
Listen to the full interview:
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 the primary season 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