‘There is no clear frontrunner’: Republican candidates for governor to debate in San Marcos

Sep 2, 2025 - 04:00

SAN MARCOS, Calif. (FOX5/KUSI) — Despite a Democratic lead in California’s 2026 gubernatorial election, Republican candidates will meet in a November debate in San Marcos.

Polling at 17% for first choice preference, Representative Katie Porter (D) is currently leading the crowded race for the office of governor. However, 38% of voters remain undecided, with Republican candidate Chad Bianco polling at 10% first choice preference.

FILE - U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, D-Calif., smiles as she prepares to address supporters at an election night party, Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Long Beach, Calif. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

Conservative gubernatorial candidates Steve Hilton, Ché Ahn and other unlisted speakers will speak in a “showdown” at Awaken Church at San Marcos. The debate is being hosted by political commentator Lara Logan.

“We are in the fight to reclaim our state from crisis—homelessness, crime, human trafficking, and policies like AB 495 that threaten families,” event organizers said in a news release.

Steve Hilton is currently polling at 6%, while Ché Ahn does not directly appear in recent polls. Currently, the Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) at Berkley states 3% of those polled picked “other” in the study.

This study follows Kamala Harris’ decision not to run for governor, who was previously the front runner with a double-digit lead.

According to a news release from the Porter for Governor Campaign, Porter has raised over $3 million in grassroots donations 36 hours after Harris’ announcement.

“Only three candidates have reached double digits in either of these two most recent polls — Katie Porter and two Republicans,” the campaign stated. “Democrats can ensure they aren’t shut out of the general election by consolidating behind Katie.”

Former San Diego State Senator Toni Atkins (D)—who announced her campaign last month—is also running for governor, currently at 1% in IGS polling.

California state Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins looks on during a briefing with district representatives, Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, in San Diego. Atkins is preparing to step down from her leadership post early next year, though she could make history again with a run for governor. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

“The findings show that there is no clear frontrunner at this early stage,” IGS Co-Director G. Cristina Mora said in the study. “This will mean that candidates will have to spend lots of time, and lots of money, working on name recognition and educating voters about their record of service.”

Locals can see Republican candidates debate on Nov. 8. Voters can weigh in the primaries on June 2, 2026 and in the general election on Nov. 8, 2026.