California’s state primary election is just weeks away, so there’s never been a better time to catch up on who’s running for local, state and federal offices, including one of the most high-profile races to replace Gov. Jerry Brown.

Luckily for voters in the state, the front-runner candidates for governor are all gathering in Northern California on Tuesday night to debate over important political issues and try to prove themselves worthy of the office.

How can you watch? What will be discussed?


Here’s what you should know about tonight’s gubernatorial debate.

Where is the debate?

Candidates will gather at the California Theatre in downtown San Jose, California.

When is the debate?

It will take place Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pacific Daylight Time.

What is the format and what will be discussed?

The first 30 minutes will focus specifically on issues facing Northern California and the remaining hour will be about issues affecting the entire state. NBC Bay Area says housing, transportation, the environment, education and issues affecting children are some of the statewide topics that will be discussed.


Who are the candidates attending?

Assemblyman Travis Allen, a Republican.

Treasurer John Chiang, a Democrat.

John Cox, a Republican businessman.

Delaine Eastin, a Democrat, former state superintendent of public instruction and state assemblywoman.

Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat.

Antonio Villaraigosa, a Democrat who has served as mayor of Los Angeles and state assemblyman.

Who is hosting and who is moderating?

The Silicon Valley Community Foundation and NBC Bay Area are hosting the debate together. It’s being called “Decision 2018: The Race for Governor.” The moderator is Chuck Todd, NBC News’ Political Director and host of “Meet the Press.”

How can I watch?

NBC stations across the state will be broadcasting the debate live in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Luis Obispo and Fresno.

Online, check out the livestream here from NBC Bay Area.

How else can I follow along?

Californians can also tune in via radio to local stations associated with NBC, Telemundo and NPR.


NBC is asking voters to send questions to @nbcbayarea and @siliconvalleycf. The hashtag for those tweeting along with the debate is #CAGovDebate.

How can I prepare?

Ahead of the debate, read up one where each candidate stands on the issues. Click on their names below to head over to their campaign websites.

On March 25, there was a gubernatorial debate here in San Diego hosted by the California Council for the Social Studies. Allen, Cox, Eastin and Villaraigosa attended and discussed everything from gun violence to sexual harassment.

Take a look at some of their responses on each topic by clicking the links below.


You can watch the full debate below from March 25 below.

Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @abbyhamblin