Governor Candidates Forum on Rural California Set for Fresno State April 1

Six candidates competing to become California's next governor have confirmed they will appear at a public forum at California State University, Fresno on April 1, bringing one of the state's most consequential political contests directly to the Central Valley.

The Western Growers Association, backed by a coalition of more than 30 agricultural organizations and co-sponsored by the Maddy Institute, organized the event under the formal title "The California Gubernatorial Candidate Forum: Affordability and Rural California." Doors at the Resnick Student Union open at 11 a.m., with the 90-minute program running from noon to 1:30 p.m.

The confirmed field spans a wide range of political backgrounds and current offices. Former federal Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa represent the Democratic establishment wing. Former Rep. Katie Porter and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan round out the Democratic contingent. On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News contributor Steve Hilton have both confirmed attendance.

Western Growers described the forum as designed to "elevate agriculture's voice, highlight the connection between regulatory costs and food prices and provide candidates with the opportunity to engage directly with the agricultural community." The organization framed the discussion as a "substantive" examination of "the issues shaping the future of California agriculture, rural communities and food affordability."

The choice of Fresno State as the venue is pointed. The San Joaquin Valley produces a disproportionate share of the nation's fruits, vegetables, and nuts, and the region has long argued that Sacramento's regulatory agenda drives up production costs that eventually show up in grocery prices statewide. Placing six major candidates in front of more than 30 agricultural organizations at once gives the industry rare leverage to extract specific policy positions before the primary campaign fully takes shape.

Those wishing to attend must RSVP by Friday, March 20, through the Western Growers event registration page.