California’s jobs and economic struggles are central to the conflict between the candidates for governor

stockton — California’s four gubernatorial candidates clashed on climate change and wildfire preparedness at an economic forum in Stockton on Thursday, though they all acknowledged the problems facing the state.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican, stood alongside three other candidates — all Democrats — at a California economic summit to challenge whether California’s devastating wildfires are linked to climate change, and some environmental activists have labeled him “terrorists.”

After a few audience members yelled at Bianco about his “terrorist” comment, the Democratic candidates reaffirmed their beliefs about a warming planet in the moment.

“The effects of climate change are constant and undeniable,” said Tony Thurmond, a Democrat and California’s superintendent of public instruction. “You can tell them what you want. This is our new normal.”

Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said the fires are “linked to climate change.”

In addition to environmental issues, a half-hour forum at the business-focused California Forward Economic Forum focused primarily on “checkbook” topics as candidates, including former state Comptroller Betty Yee, presented grim statistics on poverty and homelessness in California.

Given the Forum’s location in the Central Valley, agribusiness and rural issues were at the fore.

Bianco pressured state and Democratic leaders to manage California’s water management and gasoline prices. At one point, he told the audience he felt like he was in the “twilight zone” after Democrats on stage pitched ways to raise revenue.

Other candidates in California’s 2026 governor’s race, including former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Bequera and former Rep. Katie Porter, did not attend Thursday’s debate. Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon had planned to come, but his flight from Los Angeles was delayed, audience members were told.

All are eager to lead a government that faces ongoing budget deficits fueled by overspending. A report by the state Legislative Analyst’s Office released this month indicates a projected annual operating deficit of $15 billion to $25 billion through 2029. At the same time, the Trump administration’s federal cuts to programs for Californians in need, including the state’s Medi-Cal health care program, will put more pressure on state resources.

All the candidates had different pitches during the afternoon event. Asked by CalMatters reporter, moderator Jane Kwong, about ways to help rural communities, Thurmond mentioned his plan to build housing on surplus state-owned property. He also repeatedly talked about extending tax credits or other subsidies to groups including daycare providers.

Yee, discussing wildfires, talked about hardening homes and building an industry around state firefighting. Yee drew praise when she questioned why education was not discussed more in the governor’s race.

Villaraigosa cited his work in finding federal funds to build rail and subway lines in Los Angeles and suggested he would focus on improving the state’s power grid and transportation infrastructure.

Both the former mayor and Yee sided with Bianco at points when they complained about “too much regulation” by the state, including restrictions on developers, builders and small businesses.

Fewer voters may be paying much attention to the race, with the battle over Proposition 50 headlines and campaign spending.

Voters will decide on Nov. 4 whether to support the proposal, which is a Democratic-led effort to gerrymander California’s congressional districts to thwart President Trump’s efforts in GOP-led states to retain control of the House of Representatives.

“Honestly, nobody is focused on the governor’s race right now,” Yee said at a rally last week.