2025 CALIFORNIA EDUCATIONAL GUBERNATORIAL FORUM

The 2025 California Educational Gubernatorial Forum held on September 8th was an inclusive, nonpartisan event, advancing civic engagement, uplifting the next generation of leaders, and strengthening our state’s democratic process. Major California gubernatorial candidates from all parties were invited.

Held at California State University, Sacramento, the forum brought together California’s gubernatorial candidates, community leaders, student advocates, and elected officials in one dynamic space. It was a high-visibility event that convened community leaders and supporters from over 100 diverse organizations, including representatives from the CA AANHPI Advocacy Coalition, and the African-American, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ communities.

This historic event was led by a steering committee of local APAPA student interns. The interns, equipped with local, state, and federal legislative and grassroots training and field experience, were excited and prepared to step onto the statewide stage as aspiring changemakers. We encourage our youth to take active leadership roles on their campuses, in their neighborhoods, at the state capitol, and as part of the steering committee that helped shape this important statewide event. It was truly an experience that inspired, engaged, and empowered our next generation.

11 candidates participated by sharing their remarks; Che Ahn, Toni Atkins, Xavier Becerra, Chad Bianco, Steve Hilton, Katie Porter, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa, Butch Ware, Betty Yee, and Leo Zacky. Each candidate was given the opportunity to share their vision for California.

Photos by Tia Gemmell.

Honorary Co-Hosting Committee

  • Joe Johal

    ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN PUBLIC AFFAIRS (APAPA) - CHAIR

  • Sonny Mehrtash

    ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN PUBLIC AFFAIRS (APAPA) - PRESIDENT

  • CC Yin

    ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN PUBLIC AFFAIRS (APAPA) - FOUNDER

  • Dr. Luke Wood

    CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO - PRESIDENT

  • Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry

    CALIFORNIA WOMEN’S LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS - CHAIR AND ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER

  • Assemblymember Isaac Bryan

    CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS - VICE-CHAIR

  • Julian Canete

    CA HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - PRESIDENT/CEO

  • Jason Chan

    CA API LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS INSTITUTE - CHAIR

  • Assemblymember Phillip Chen

    CALIFORNIA BUSINESS & FINANCE COMMITTEE - VICE-CHAIR

  • Malia Cohen

    CA STATE CONTROLLER

  • Assemblymember Mike Fong

    CALIFORNIA AAPI LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS - CHAIR

  • Wenda Fong

    CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY - MEMBER, BOARD OF TRUSTEES

  • Dr. Rita Gallardo Good

    CALIFORNIA COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN AND GIRLS - CHAIR

  • Steve Hansen

    LIGHTHOUSE PUBLIC AFFAIRS - MANAGING PARTNER

  • Brent Kaneyuki

    ASIAN PEACE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION - PRESIDENT

  • Pat Fong Kushida

    CA ASIAN PACIFIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - PRESIDENT/CEO

  • Manūfou Liaiga-Anoa’i

    CA AANHPI ADVOCACY COALITON - HONORARY CHAIR

  • Mayor Kevin McCarty

    MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SACRAMENTO

  • Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen

    CALIFORNIA AAPI LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS - VICE-CHAIR

  • Senator Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson

    SELECT COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH - CHAIR

  • Dr. Tecoy Porter

    NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK - SACRAMENTO CHAPTER PRESIDENT

  • Reverend Al Sharpton

    NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK - FOUNDER/NATIONAL PRESIDENT

  • Assemblymember Tri Ta

    LOCAL GOVERNMENT & REVENUE AND TAXATION COMMITTEES - VICE-CHAIR

  • Greg Totten

    CA DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION - CEO

  • Assemblymember Lori Wilson

    CALIFORNIA TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE - CHAIR