On February 26, 2026, at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, Jewish leaders, including Federation President and Chief Executive Officer Joy Sisisky and Board Chair Laura Lauder, Jewish community members, and civic partners from across the state gathered for the Jewish California 2026 Governor Candidate Forum, an important moment of dialogue between California’s Jewish community and the candidates seeking to win the November 2026 election.
The Forum brought together Republican Steve Hilton and Democratic candidates Matt Mahan, Tom Steyer, Eric Swalwell, and Antonio Villaraigosa for a wide-ranging conversation on the issues that matter most to Jewish Californians. Organized by Jewish California (formerly JPAC), JCRC Bay Area, Jewish Federation Los Angeles, and the Skirball Cultural Center, the Federation was proud to co-sponsor this important event at a pivotal time, underscoring the Bay Area community’s commitment to advocacy and civic engagement.
A Community at a Crossroads
The evening began with reflections on the Jewish values that inspire civic participation. Jessie Kornberg, President and CEO of the Skirball Cultural Center, spoke about the deeply rooted Jewish tradition of showing up for one another, especially during moments of disagreement, and listening with respect.
That spirit of engagement carried throughout the forum. Rabbi Noah Farkas of Jewish Federation Los Angeles reminded the audience that California is home to 1.2 million Jews, one of the largest Jewish populations in the world. While the state has long been a place where Jewish life has flourished, he noted that the community is now facing new challenges, including rising antisemitism across public life, schools, and college campuses.
Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, highlighted the caucus’s efforts to strengthen Holocaust education, secure funding for community security, and protect Jewish students across California.
What the Candidates Said
Moderated by journalist Alex Cohen, the candidates shared opening reflections on their connection to the Jewish community and their commitment to confronting hate and supporting diversity. Over the course of the evening, they discussed a wide range of issues shaping California’s future — from immigration and economic policy to homelessness and artificial intelligence.
Several topics held particular significance for Jewish Californians. Candidates expressed strong support for AB 715, a Federation-endorsed legislation that addresses antisemitism in schools and discussed ways to ensure that Jewish students feel safe and supported on college campuses.
The candidates also addressed California’s relationship with Israel, and each of them voiced opposition to the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement while affirming the importance of the state’s economic and technological partnerships with Israel.
To close, each candidate was asked to sum up their promise as governor in a single word:
Matt Mahan: Accountable
Tom Steyer: Service
Steve Hilton: Problem Solver
Antonio Villaraigosa: Transformational
Why This Moment Mattered
Federation Board Chair Laura Lauder closed the program with words that captured the spirit of the night: “How fortunate are we. We are a Jewish community here in California with five extraordinary allies. Thank you for protecting us, for fighting for our kids, for supporting the U.S.-Israel relationship, for being a partner.”
Decisions made by the next governor of California will shape policies affecting Jewish education, community safety, social services, and civil rights protections. By helping convene conversations like the Jewish California Governor Candidate Forum, the Federation works to ensure that Jewish priorities remain visible in statewide policymaking.
These forums allow Jewish community members to hear directly from leaders seeking to guide the state’s future — and to hold them accountable.
Our voice matters. And we will keep making sure it is heard.
