Energetic Curiosity Kickoff: The Issues That Matter to Californians
- Jan 9
- 2 min read
Homelessness, Housing, and the Governor’s Office: Where the Candidates Stand
Here’s the straight talk on the 34th California governor candidate forum happening January 17, 2026 — the political energy is real and the lineup is worth your attention if you’re tracking the future of California leadership.
You’ve got two big events on that date that are drawing eyeballs and (virtual) seats:
One is a member-only virtual forum (1:00–3:00 p.m. PT) hosted by SEIU Local 1000 where the major gubernatorial candidates will lay out their visions for the state — and hit on issues like labor, budget, and policy priorities that matter to state workers and everyday Californians.
Confirmed Participants include:
Xavier Becerra, Tom Steyer, Ian Calderon, Tony Thurmond, and Betty Yee — Antonio Villaraigosa invited as well. Issues don’t RSVP. Housing, education, cost of living, and public safety affect Californians regardless of who shows up to a forum. This article becomes the measuring stick you’ll later use to evaluate answers—and non-answers.
At the same time, a public, non-partisan candidate forum runs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the California Science Center in Los Angeles (and broadcast on KDLA Talk 1580) as part of the 34th Annual Empowerment Congress Summit on “From Vision to Action.”
The event will be moderated by Tavis Smiley of KBLA 1580 Talk radio Host, Lisa Collins publisher from L.A. Focus Newspaper, and invites all announced gubernatorial candidates from both major parties to answer tough questions from journalists and the community about policy, equity, economy, public safety, and more.
Put simply, Jan. 17 is a high-impact day on the campaign trail — two distinct forums aimed at different audiences but both giving you a chance to see the candidates’ priorities in action.
The California Governors race is wide open with no incumbent, the big players are jockeying for attention and traction during the upcoming political election season. While VP Kamala Harris has opted out of this governor’s race, leaving more breathing room for these contenders.
Who will be the next Governor of California?