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.
CANDIDATE REMARKS






















Photos by Tia Gemmell.
Honorary Co-Hosting Committee
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Joe Johal
ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN PUBLIC AFFAIRS (APAPA) - CHAIR
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Sonny Mehrtash
ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN PUBLIC AFFAIRS (APAPA) - PRESIDENT
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CC Yin
ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN PUBLIC AFFAIRS (APAPA) - FOUNDER
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Dr. Luke Wood
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO - PRESIDENT
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Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
CALIFORNIA WOMEN’S LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS - CHAIR AND ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER
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Assemblymember Isaac Bryan
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS - VICE-CHAIR
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Julian Canete
CA HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - PRESIDENT/CEO
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Jason Chan
CA API LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS INSTITUTE - CHAIR
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Assemblymember Phillip Chen
CALIFORNIA BUSINESS & FINANCE COMMITTEE - VICE-CHAIR
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Malia Cohen
CA STATE CONTROLLER
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Assemblymember Mike Fong
CALIFORNIA AAPI LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS - CHAIR
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Wenda Fong
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY - MEMBER, BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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Dr. Rita Gallardo Good
CALIFORNIA COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN AND GIRLS - CHAIR
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Steve Hansen
LIGHTHOUSE PUBLIC AFFAIRS - MANAGING PARTNER
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Brent Kaneyuki
ASIAN PEACE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION - PRESIDENT
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Pat Fong Kushida
CA ASIAN PACIFIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - PRESIDENT/CEO
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Manūfou Liaiga-Anoa’i
CA AANHPI ADVOCACY COALITON - HONORARY CHAIR
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Mayor Kevin McCarty
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SACRAMENTO
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Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen
CALIFORNIA AAPI LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS - VICE-CHAIR
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Senator Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson
SELECT COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH - CHAIR
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Dr. Tecoy Porter
NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK - SACRAMENTO CHAPTER PRESIDENT
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Reverend Al Sharpton
NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK - FOUNDER/NATIONAL PRESIDENT
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Assemblymember Tri Ta
LOCAL GOVERNMENT & REVENUE AND TAXATION COMMITTEES - VICE-CHAIR
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Greg Totten
CA DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION - CEO
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Assemblymember Lori Wilson
CALIFORNIA TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE - CHAIR