Alhambra, CA – Candidates for governor of California will debate each other in a forum focusing on Asian Pacific American issues on April 28 at Pasadena City College.
The forum will include five out of the six top polling candidates in the gubernatorial race, according to a press release from the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment, which organized it. The candidates include former Los Angeles Mayor Anthony Villaraigosa, State Treasurer John Chiang, State Assemblymember Travis Allen; businessman John Cox and former State Superintendent and Assemblymember Delaine Eastin.
Because Asian Pacific Americans comprise 15 percent of California’s electorate, the vote of this group could have a big impact on the governor’s race, a reality that CAUSE wants to capitalize on. Asian Americans are also the fastest growing ethnic group in the nation, according to the Pew Research Center.
Lt. Gov Gavin Newsom declined to participate in the forum, citing competing commitments. Newsom is the current frontrunner in the governor’s race, with Cox and Villaraigosa centering his platform around opposing sanctuary laws for undocumented immigrants.
For information on how to watch or attend, go here.