PBI 2026 California lieutenant governor candidates to meet at Cal State LA for higher education forum

LOS ANGELES - Three candidates for California lieutenant governor will meet April 27, 2026 at Cal State LA for a public forum focused on higher education policy organized by the Campaign for College Opportunity ("Campaign") and the Alliance for Candidate Engagement in Education. At a moment when this largely overlooked race remains wide open-and which could quietly shape the future of millions of students-the forum will spotlight the high-stakes decisions tied to an office many voters know little about, but which holds significant influence over California's colleges and universities.

This will be the first forum of its kind held in California, and will focus on issues including college affordability, access, student success and workforce development, while giving students an opportunity to question candidates directly.

Co-hosted by a group of prominent 501(c)(3) education, civil rights, and legal advocacy organizations from the Alliance for Candidate Engagement in Education, and led by the Campaign for College Opportunity in partnership with the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs, the event will feature David Fennell (R), Michael Tubbs (D) and Oliver Ma (D). Other key candidates will be contributing to the forum virtually with video statements highlighting their policy objectives - including their legislative and budgetary priorities for higher education - ahead of the November election.

"This forum is about making sure all voters, especially students, understand the real imperative this office has on the future of higher education in California," said Jessie Ryan, president of the Campaign for College Opportunity. "The lieutenant governor helps shape decisions that affect college affordability, access and student success, and economic mobility-this is a critical moment for candidates to share where they stand."

The forum comes as the race for lieutenant governor remains unsettled, with no clear frontrunner and multiple candidates competing for limited voter attention in a contest that has traditionally received far less visibility than the governor's race. Yet, the outcome could carry equally significant consequences: because the lieutenant governor is elected separately, rather than on a joint ticket, California could once again see split-party leadership.

As the second highest executive officer of the government of California, the office plays a direct role in shaping higher education policy in California. The lieutenant governor serves as the only elected official on the governing boards of the California Community Colleges, California State University, and University of California systems, and chairs the state's Commission for Economic Development, giving the position a powerful voting seat in decisions that affect millions of students.

The race also sets the stage for how the state will approach its ambitious higher education goals. As Gavin Newsom pushes for 70% of Californians to hold a college credential by 2030, higher education's importance will be central to whether the state can meet its economic and workforce demands.

MEETING THE GOVERNOR'S GOAL OF 70% POSTSECONDARY ATTAINMENT BY 2030

Governor Newsom has set out an ambitious goal for California's higher education-one widely seen as essential to the state's long-term economic future, but increasingly difficult to achieve without coordinated leadership across systems.

According to recent research released by the Campaign for College Opportunity and Complete College America, only 56% of Californians ages 25 to 64 have earned a college degree, credential or certificate, a figure well short of the goal set by Gov. Gavin Newsom: 70% postsecondary attainment by 2030.

"This forum comes at a critical moment for our students and for the future of higher education across California," said Berenecea Johnson Eanes, president of Cal State LA. "The decisions made by our state's next lieutenant governor will directly shape college access, affordability and student success not only for Cal State LA students, but for millions across the University of California, California State University and community college systems. Creating space for this dialogue on our campus ensures that student voices are part of the policies that will define their future."

NEW RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS NON-PARTISAN ROADMAP TO ACHIEVING CALIFORNIA EDUCATION GOALS

In response, the Campaign has developed actionable policy reports, including its 2026 Policy Agenda, that outlines research-backed strategies to expand college access, improve transfer pathways, increase student success, and accelerate economic mobility across California.

For Ryan, "Our research-informed policy recommendations emphasize the need for better coordination between institutions, stronger financial aid and affordability policies, and clearer pathways from higher education to workforce opportunities."

As a nonpartisan organization, the Campaign's work is designed to serve as an objective resource for policymakers, educators and stakeholders, providing data-driven recommendations grounded in student outcomes and helping inform decisions that will shape the academic and economic futures of millions of Californians.

Registration details are available by visiting the following link.

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ABOUT CAMPAIGN FOR COLLEGE OPPORTUNITY:

The Campaign for College Opportunity is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) broad-based, bipartisan coalition, including business, education, and civil rights leaders, that strives to achieve racial and economic justice in California. We promote a more fair and vibrant economy and democracy through an affordable, accountable, and workforce-connected higher education system that ensures more low-income and historically minoritized students complete degrees that allow them to lead economically prosperous lives. For more information, visit  www.CollegeCampaign.org, or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

California State University, Los Angeles is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the United States for the upward mobility of its students. Cal State LA is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good, offering nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, and the humanities. Founded in 1947, the University serves more than 22,000 students and has more than 260,000 distinguished alumni.