TL/DR –
Six Democrats running for governor in California highlighted their concerns about housing affordability, the cost of living, and healthcare cuts at a labor forum. Candidates included former state Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon and former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, who emphasized their experience and ability to provide a fresh perspective and proven leadership respectively. Among the discussions, a major topic was a proposed state constitutional amendment to help University of California workers with down-payment loans for houses, which received a positive response from the candidates.
California Governor Candidates Focus on Housing, Cost of Living, and Healthcare in San Diego Forum
Six Democrats running for California Governor in the upcoming election turned their attention towards housing affordability, cost of living, and healthcare cuts during a labor forum in San Diego. The candidates sought to distinguish themselves by highlighting their political and personal backgrounds.
Former state Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon, participating in his first gubernatorial forum since his entry in September, underlined his unique position as the first millennial elected to the state Legislature. He expressed concerns for his children’s future and the state’s dependence on Washington D.C., which triggered his decision to run for governor.
Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, with significant political experience including a 24-year stint in Congress, argued for the importance of electing a seasoned candidate as governor. Using a metaphor of a barking chihuahua, he questioned the credibility of inexperienced candidates.
The forum, attended by approximately 150 California leaders from multiple American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees chapters, took place amidst uncertainty within the gubernatorial field. Notable figures such as former Vice President Kamala Harris and former state Senate leader Toni Atkins have already withdrawn from the race. Speculations persist about the potential candidacy of billionaire businessman Rick Caruso and Sen. Alex Padilla.
The labor forum also featured former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, State Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, and former state Controller Betty Yee. The candidates were asked about their stance on a proposed state constitutional amendment to help University of California (UC) workers with down-payment loans for houses. All candidates agreed to support the housing loans.
Thurmond also pledged to support Kaiser health employees expected to go on strike later in the month, echoing a similar sentiment, Yee criticized healthcare employers for prioritizing profit over patient care.
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