On November 8th, the civil group “Take Your Power Back” hosted a gubernatorial candidate debate for the 2026 election, where 13 candidates participated in a non-elimination debate. Currently, there are nearly 20 gubernatorial candidates from both major parties and third parties.
What kind of people can run for governor? US citizens who are registered voters cannot run if they have been convicted of crimes such as bribery, embezzlement, extortion, theft of public funds, perjury, or conspiracy to commit such crimes. Since November 1990, anyone who has served two terms as governor cannot run for reelection.
Candidates must submit a statement of candidacy and a false statement penalty declaration. They are required to establish a campaign account where campaign funds must be deposited before being used for campaign expenses. The filing fee for gubernatorial candidates is $3,916.12, and for lieutenant governor candidates, it is $2,937.08; alternatively, candidates may submit 7,000 valid signatures in lieu of the filing fee.
People in California are most concerned about everyday expenses like gasoline, eggs, and milk. Kim Yeater, a representative of the debate organizers, emphasized the importance of active participation in supporting crucial candidates rather than politicians. It’s time to stand up and defend families and freedom.
The moderator, Douglas G. Frank, who has visited all 48 states in the US, discussed voter registration and election results analysis in over a thousand speeches. He asked candidates how they plan to win the election and what changes they would implement if elected.
Lewis Herms believes that the gubernatorial primary in California is crucial, as the outcome often decides the general election, yet the Republican Party focuses solely on the November elections. Herms, a successful businessman since a young age, highlighted the significance of the primary elections.
Gretha Solarzano emphasized the need for genuine leaders who can fulfill promises and bring together both sides. With 30 years of experience in the energy industry, Solarzano has held leadership positions.
Pastor Ché Ahn, of Korean descent and an evangelical Christian, advocates for voter ID verification, in-person voting on election day without mail-in ballots, and uniform voting days across the country. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ahn and 150 other churches in California filed federal lawsuits challenging Governor Newsom’s unconstitutional closure of churches. The Supreme Court approved a historic settlement in 2021, ensuring Americans’ constitutional right to worship.
Former Marine David Serpa spoke about modernizing voting methods using blockchain technology for real-time feedback, akin to financial markets. He emphasized the importance of utilizing technology to provide immediate verification in the voting process.
Leo Naranjo proposed regular purges of voter registration rolls every 6 months to a year to ensure fairness and accuracy. He stressed the importance of holding accountable those responsible for maintaining the voter registration integrity.
Leo Zacky from “Zacky Farm” addressed the severe water shortage in California’s agricultural regions due to strict government regulations. He emphasized the need for water projects including reservoir construction, snow collection from the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and desalination plants to sustain agriculture.
Daniel Mercuri, a Navy veteran currently working in the private sector, highlighted the significance of legislation in managing water usage. He mentioned the need for more freshwater sources despite the presence of 12 desalination plants in California. The closure of three major power plants for environmental reasons has also impacted water desalination efforts.
Regarding environmental issues, Gretha Solarzano mentioned challenges faced with environmental approvals in collaboration with Southern California Edison over the past 30 years. Several reservoir projects have cost millions without effectively addressing water scarcity issues.
Ryan Tillman addressed human trafficking concerns, citing recent laws that downgraded violent crimes to misdemeanors. He emphasized the importance of strict law enforcement and collaboration with federal authorities to combat child trafficking for sexual exploitation.
David Serpa shared his experience in rescue missions, recalling an operation in 2018 to save a victim of human trafficking.
Scott Shields, a corporate executive, emphasized the need for the governor to counter Marxist ideologies, which he believes pose a threat to society.
Political commentator Steve Hilton stressed the necessity of combating corrupt elites and fighting for California’s small business owners, workers, freedom, and opportunities. Drawing from his family’s experience in post-communist Hungary, he emphasized the importance of safeguarding California from corrupt governance.
Current polling data shows Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco leading among Republican candidates, and former congresswoman Katie Porter and former state assemblyman and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa leading among Democratic candidates. Porter’s support has faced challenges following a recent video showing clashes with media and staff, leading to a drop in her popularity.