| Foreign Policy, Civil Liberties, and Protest Rights Emerge as Defining Tests in the Primary Race |
| SACRAMENTO, CA (4/14/26) – CAIR Action joins the California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC), the California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation (CLLCF), and ACLU California Action tonight to co-sponsor "Nuestra Voz ‘26," a pivotal gubernatorial candidate forum. As the 2026 race intensifies, the intersection of immigrant rights and human rights has emerged as a defining fault line for California voters. The 2026 gubernatorial cycle has been heavily influenced by the Israel-Palestine conflict, an issue that has deeply divided the Democratic Party and prompted sustained grassroots protests across the state. As of February 2026, candidates have struggled to secure broad support, largely due to disagreements over the genocide in Gaza. The political climate reflects the momentum of the 2024 primary season, where thousands of California Democrats cast "uncommitted" protest votes or left ballots blank to signal profound discontent with federal policy. This fracture was formalized in early 2026 when the California Democratic Party failed to reach a 60% consensus on a gubernatorial endorsement, the first time in recent history, citing the conflict in Gaza as one of the major factors in the party’s fracture. "California's leadership must reflect the values of its diverse constituents, including a growing number who are demanding an end to wars, the violence in Gaza, and the protection of our right to dissent," said a spokesperson for CAIR Action. "Voters are no longer separating local governance from global justice. Tonight, we expect candidates to provide clear answers on how they will protect free speech and whether they will support the right to engage in BDS activities, especially following recent state bills that curb the right to protest." EVENT DETAILS: What: Nuestra Voz 2026: Gubernatorial Candidate Forum When: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Where: SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, 1401 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 Livestream: bit.ly/NuestraVoz2026 Confirmed Candidates: - What: Nuestra Voz 2026: Gubernatorial Candidate Forum - Matt Mahan, Mayor, City of San Jose - Xavier Becerra, Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary - Katie Porter, Former Member, U.S. House of Representatives - Tom Steyer, Climate Advocate - Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction - Antonio Villaraigosa, Former Mayor, City of Los Angeles - Betty Yee, Former California State Controller |
| Legislative Concerns: Beyond candidate platforms, the forum comes amid a heated legislative battle over a 2026 initiative aimed at protecting the right to engage in BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) activities. CAIR Action and its partners remain deeply concerned about violations of free speech after the legislature and the Governor passed bills curbing prot |
| ABOUT CAIR ACTION: CAIR Action is a dedicated advocacy organization working to empower the American Muslim community and its allies through political engagement and legislative advocacy. We strive to ensure that the civil rights of all Californians are protected and that our elected officials are held accountable to the principles of justice and equity. |
| ABOUT THE HOSTS: The California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC) advocates for policies that uphold the humanity of immigrants. The California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation (CLLCF) promotes Latino culture and heritage. ACLU California Action is charged with promoting policy change in the Capitol that equitably advances civil liberties. - END - CONTACT: Basim Elkarra, Executive Director CAIR Action, belkarra@cairaction.org CAIR Action Communications, media@cairaction.org |