Highlights from NBCLA’s Governor Forum on LGBTQ+ Topics

Democratic Candidates Address LGBTQ+ Issues at California Forum

Seven candidates competing to be the next governor of California convened at a nonpartisan forum on Monday, where they focused on pressing topics impacting the LGBTQ+ community. The discussion encompassed a range of issues, including health care, educational policies, public safety, and homelessness.

Among the participants were prominent Democrats, including:

• Xavier Becerra: Former California attorney general and former secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• Katie Porter: Former representative for California’s 47th District and current UC Irvine professor.
• Eric Swalwell: Current representative for California’s 14th congressional district and former deputy district attorney for Alameda County.
• Tony Thurmond: Current state superintendent.
• Tom Steyer: Business entrepreneur and environmentalist.
• Antonio Villaraigosa: Former mayor of Los Angeles and former speaker of the State Assembly.
• Betty Yee: Former California state controller.

Notably, Republican candidates Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco did not attend the forum.

Candidates Rate Their LGBTQ+ Advocacy

Throughout the forum, candidates proudly highlighted their records on LGBTQ+ issues, with many awarding themselves high marks. Xavier Becerra emphasized his long-standing commitment, stating he has a “history that runs longer than anyone who’s running for governor” as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community.

Antonio Villaraigosa assigned himself an A+, while Katie Porter took a more reserved approach. “I’m a pretty notoriously tough grader,” she remarked, indicating she would give herself an A instead of an A+ because “there’s always work to be done.”

Divergence from Gov. Newsom’s Vision

Responding to remarks from Democratic leaders, including outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom, who called for a more conventional stance on identity politics, Katie Porter voiced her disagreement. “I don’t think any elected leader gets to sit in judgement of what is normal,” she asserted, advocating for a California where everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can thrive.

Standing Up to Extremism

Tony Thurmond also addressed the challenges facing advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. He recounted encounters with far-right activists at school board meetings, including instances of threats and intimidation. "I saluted those people as I walked out of the room," he said, defiantly showing his middle finger. He also highlighted his role in supporting the California Support Academic Futures and Educators for Today’s Youth (SAFETY) Act, which aims to protect the confidentiality of students’ gender identities. However, the Supreme Court recently ruled to block the enforcement of this act.

Future of the Race

With a crowded field of Democratic candidates, some analysts speculate that two Republican contenders could move forward to the November runoff. A February survey by the Public Policy Institute of California indicated that Steve Hilton, Katie Porter, Chad Bianco, Tom Steyer, and Eric Swalwell were leading in voter support, with 10% of those surveyed remaining undecided.

Porter noted her current standing, emphasizing, “Right now, I’m polling at the top of the field,” and expressed her determination to navigate the competition, even as she acknowledged the discomfort of being “sandwiched between Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco.”

Acknowledging Allies

When asked to endorse another Democratic candidate, many participants refrained from commenting, except for Villaraigosa, Steyer, and Betty Yee. Steyer expressed his alignment with Yee, and Villaraigosa praised her advocacy. Yee reciprocated, calling Villaraigosa “the biggest champion” for the LGBTQ+ community and recognizing Steyer for bringing a fresh perspective as a newcomer to public office.