California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce Hosts Gubernatorial Candidate Forum at 17th Annual Legislative Day

Photo credit: Tia Gemmell, Riverview Media Photography

Sacramento, CA (April 8, 2026) — The California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (CalAsian Chamber) convened state leaders, policymakers, and community members for its 17th Annual Legislative Day in Sacramento. The program brought together voices from across the state for a series of discussions focused on California’s economic climate, regulatory environment, and the critical role of small businesses in driving growth.

As part of the day’s programming, CalAsian hosted its Gubernatorial Candidate Forum, providing a platform for candidates to share their vision, priorities, and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing California.

The forum featured participation from:

• Katie Porter, Former U.S. Representative
• Matt Mahan, Mayor of San Jose
• Antonio Villaraigosa, Former Los Angeles Mayor and State Assembly Speaker
• Xavier Becerra, Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary and California Attorney General
• Betty Yee, Former State Controller
• Tony Thurmond, California Superintendent of Public Instruction

Candidates are listed according to their standing in the Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics California gubernatorial survey released March 11, 2026.

The discussion was moderated by Jenny Huh, Political Reporter of ABC10, who guided a thoughtful and engaging conversation on key issues impacting California’s business community. A special thank you to ABC10 for their partnership and support in elevating this important conversation.

Attorney General Rob Bonta opened the day with virtual remarks, emphasizing the importance of AAPI small businesses as a core driver of California’s economy. His remarks highlighted the connection between inclusive economic growth, public safety, and consumer protection, reinforcing the role of equitable policies in strengthening communities statewide.

“CalAsian is honored to convene this forum, providing an opportunity for our members and community to hear directly from candidates on their vision and priorities for California’s future,” said Pat Fong Kushida, President & CEO of the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce. “Creating space for these perspectives is essential to understanding how policy decisions will shape the economic landscape and impact small businesses across the state.”

Throughout the forum, candidates shared their perspectives on key issues, including affordability, public safety, government accountability, and long-term economic strategy. Discussions touched on the need to streamline regulatory processes, improve access to capital, strengthen workforce development, and create a more supportive environment for small and minority-owned businesses across California.

While each candidate brought forward distinct policy approaches, several common themes emerged, including the importance of government efficiency, increased transparency, and targeted investments to support economic mobility and business growth.

Following the forum, attendees participated in a networking reception, continuing conversations and building connections across business, policy, and community sectors.

For those who were unable to attend, the livestream recording is available to view here.

This event is part of the CalAsian Chamber’s ongoing commitment to elevate the voices of small businesses, foster meaningful dialogue, and create opportunities for engagement between community leaders and policymakers across California. To learn more about our advocacy efforts and public policy priorities, visit our advocacy page.

Media Coverage

The forum received coverage from local and national media outlets. Read more below:

• ABC10: CalAsian Chamber hosts gubernatorial forum | To The Point with Alex Bell
• The Sacramento Bee: Villaraigosa urges Democrats to ‘fix what we broke’ at governor candidate forum
• CBS8 San Diego: CalAsian Chamber of Commerce hosts first gubernatorial forum
• Yahoo News (aggregated): Listen as Antonia Villaraigosa speaks during CalAsian’s gubernatorial candidate forum
• AOL (aggregated): Listen as Antonia Villaraigosa speaks during CalAsian’s gubernatorial candidate forum
• PressReader (aggregated): Vil­larai­gosa urges Demo­crats to ‘fix what we broke’ at gov­ernor can­did­ate forum
• New York Post: California gov candidates pile on as Eric Swalwell misconduct rumors swirl