Oscar Hartzog
Contact Oscar Hartzog by Email View all posts by Oscar Hartzog May 5, 2026
Katie Porter (D) speaks during the California Gubernatorial Debate on April 28, 2026 in Claremont, California. Leon Bennett/Getty Images for CBS Television Stations If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Seven California gubernatorial primary candidates will take the stage in Los Angeles tonight for a live debate hosted by CNN. The candidates who qualified are Republicans Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, as well as Democrats Xavier Becerra, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, and Antonio Villaraigosa. California’s nonpartisan primary election is set for June 2.
At a Glance: Where to Watch CNN California Governor Debate
editor’s Pick DirecTV
get free trial Jump to Details Sling
sign up Now Jump to Details Hulu + Live TV
get free trial Jump to DetailsTo qualify for the debate, candidates needed at least 3% support among primary voters in two polls or 3% average support across two polls. Candidates also must have raised, contributed, or loaned at least $1 million for their campaign.
Tonight’s debate follows a chaotic clash between the same candidates, plus Tony Thurmond, on April 28. California’s nonpartisan primary election is set for June 2.
Where to Watch California Governor Debate (May 5)
Tonight’s California Gubernatorial debate will air on CNN, CNN International, and CNN en Español. If you don’t have a cable or satellite subscription, you can livestream the California governor debate online using any live TV streaming service that carries CNN. Here are three of our favorites:
editor’s Pick DirecTV
get free trial➤ Five-day free trial ➤ Starting at $34.99/month ➤ Up to 185+ channels
DirecTV carries CNN in a few of its live TV streaming packages, including MyNews, MyEntertainment, and all of its Signature Packages. Pricing for these plans starts at $34.99 a month, but some plans are discounted, and all of them start with a five-day free trial.
Sling
sign up Now➤ Starting at $45.99/month ➤ Short-term passes starting at $4.99 ➤ Up to 46 channels
One of the most affordable live TV streamers with CNN is Sling, although it doesn’t offer a free trial. The channel is available in Sling’s Orange and Orange + Blue plans. Sling Orange starts at $45.99 a month, but you can also get short-term passes for Sling Orange. A one-day pass costs $4.99, a three-day pass costs $9.99, and a seven-day pass costs $14.99.
Hulu + Live TV
get free trial➤ $89.99/month ➤ Three-day free trial ➤ 100+ channels
Hulu + Live TV also carries CNN as part of its lineup of more than 100 channels. The service starts with a three-day free trial and costs $89.99 a month after the trial ends.
When Is the Next California Governor Debate? Start Time, Date
The upcoming California gubernatorial debate on CNN is set for Tuesday, May 5. The broadcast will start at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET.
