Julie Watts interviewed all major candidates for California governor in a CBS News series published February 19, 2026
The series asked candidates to evaluate Governor Newsom and the Legislature's performance
Democrats and Republicans offered starkly different assessments of Newsom's tenure
The accountability-focused format pushed candidates beyond typical talking points
Additional segments will cover critical issues like housing, crime, and environmental policies
📖 Full Retelling
CBS News California Investigates correspondent Julie Watts interviewed more than a dozen candidates running for California governor in 2026, asking each one the same critical question about Governor Gavin Newsom and the state Legislature's performance, with the series published on February 19, 2026, aiming to provide voters with clear comparisons of gubernatorial hopefuls ahead of the election. The 'One Question' series represents an ambitious accountability journalism project where Watts pressed candidates on their assessment of Newsom's administration and the Legislature's work, while also revealing what each would do differently if elected. The interviews covered a range of pressing California issues including housing affordability, high-speed rail, education, healthcare, and immigration. The series includes both individual candidate responses and side-by-side issue-specific segments allowing voters to compare candidates' positions on topics that matter most to them. The interviews revealed stark ideological differences between Democratic and Republican candidates, with Democrats generally acknowledging some of Newsom's accomplishments while Republicans offered harsh criticism. Notable responses included Xavier Becerra's praise for Newsom's economic leadership, Chad Bianco's assertion that Newsom has only 'acted like a Republican,' and Katie Porter's viral clip on redistricting. This comprehensive interview series comes as California faces significant challenges including housing affordability, homelessness, and economic concerns that will be central to the 2026 gubernatorial race.
🏷️ Themes
Political Accountability, Governance Assessment, Election Coverage, Policy Comparison
The California State Legislature is the bicameral state legislature of the U.S. state of California, consisting of the California State Assembly (lower house with 80 members) and the California State Senate (upper house with 40 members). Both houses of the Legislature convene at the California State...
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
The article highlights how California's gubernatorial candidates evaluate Gov. Newsom's record, offering voters insight into policy priorities and potential shifts in state governance. It underscores the importance of transparent accountability in a large, diverse state.
Context & Background
California's 2026 governor race features a mix of Democrats, Republicans, and a Green candidate
Candidates critique Newsom on issues like housing, redistricting, and pandemic response
The series is part of CBS News California Investigates, aiming to inform voters through side‑by‑side comparisons
What Happens Next
The series will continue with issue‑specific segments on crime, environmental law, and high‑speed rail, allowing voters to compare candidate positions. As the election approaches, candidates will likely refine their platforms to appeal to key demographics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the CBS News California Investigates series?
It provides voters with detailed, side‑by‑side interviews that reveal how candidates plan to govern and what they think Newsom did right or wrong.
Which candidates are running from the Green Party?
Only Butch Ware, a UC professor, is the Green Party candidate for governor.
How many candidates have dropped out of the race?
Toni Atkins and Stephen Cloobeck have withdrawn, leaving a field of about a dozen active candidates.
Original Source
CBS News California Investigates We asked the candidates for California governor: What has Newsom and the Legislature done well, and what would they do differently? By Julie Watts , Julie Watts CBS California Investigative Correspondent Julie Watts is a national-award-winning investigative correspondent for CBS News, covering California. Her investigations, Capitol accountability reports, and solutions-oriented journalism air weekly on CBS stations across California. Read Full Bio Julie Watts , Richard Ramos Richard Ramos Web Producer, CBS Sacramento Richard Ramos is a web producer for CBS Sacramento who was born and raised in Sacramento. He graduated with a BA in Journalism from CSUS. Read Full Bio Richard Ramos Updated on: February 19, 2026 / 11:17 PM EST / CBS News California Add CBS News on Google What has the California Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom done well, and what could be done differently? CBS News California Investigates correspondent Julie Watts asked each of the candidates running for California governor. For this series, Watts interviewed more than a dozen gubernatorial candidates, pressing them on more than a several issues that matter to voters. Read on to see what each candidate thinks Newsom has done right and to learn what they'd do differently. Xavier Becerra Xavier Becerra, a former California attorney general who served as Health and Human Services secretary in the Biden administration, is another Democrat looking to replace Gov. Newsom in 2026. Becerra said Newsom deserves more credit for strengthening the state's economy and explained why California's redistricting effort is necessary. On what he'd do differently, Becerra said he would have acted more quickly than Newsom on addressing issues like with California's high-speed rail project and the statewide housing crisis. Watch Becerra's response here. Chad Bianco Sheriff Chad Bianco of Riverside County is one of the Republicans running for California governor in 2026. Bianco said the onl...
