Commentary: Who won and who lost in Thursday night's California gubernatorial debate? Our columnists weigh in
Key takeaways
- For the sixth and final time before votes are counted, the leading contenders for California governor gathered Thursday night for a televised debate, this one a 90-minute session in San Francisco.
- Barabak and Anita Chabria absorbed the rhetorical blows, followed the heated back-and-forths and took in each and every one of the candidates’ myriad policy prescriptions.
- That’s pretty much how California voters have reacted to this primary.
The seven leading candidates for California governor met in their sixth and final debate. The 90-minute session in San Francisco apparently did nothing to shake up the dynamic of the race. (Godofredo A. Vásquez/ Associated Press) By Gustavo Arellano, Mark Z. Barabak and Anita Chabria May 14, 2026 8 PM PT 5 8 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X Linked In Threads Reddit Whats App Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
For the sixth and final time before votes are counted, the leading contenders for California governor gathered Thursday night for a televised debate, this one a 90-minute session in San Francisco.
Times columnists Gustavo Arellano, Mark Z. Barabak and Anita Chabria absorbed the rhetorical blows, followed the heated back-and-forths and took in each and every one of the candidates’ myriad policy prescriptions. Here’s their assessment: