The Race for Governor
California’s next governor will play a defining role in shaping the impact, equity, and long-term sustainability of the nonprofit sector. The lead-in to the coming elections presents an ideal opportunity to better understand our current gubernatorial candidates through a nonprofit lens. With a candidate questionnaire and one-on-one online interviews, we explore their views and understanding of the nonprofit sector. Learn more about how they align with our current policy agenda, and their positions on issues that matter most to nonprofits and the communities they serve.
The better informed we are as a sector, the more likely we are to see the results we want come November.
Gubernatorial Questionnaire: The Candidates Respond
All candidates included in 2026 public polling were invited to participate in the questionnaire.
Disclaimer: This questionnaire is for informational and educational purposes only and is intended to educate voters on candidates’ stances on issues relevant to our organization’s mission. Our organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is strictly nonpartisan. We do not endorse or oppose any candidate for public office and are prohibited from doing so under federal tax law. Any views expressed in these responses are solely those of the candidates and do not reflect the views or positions of CalNonprofits.
Meet the Candidates 1:1 Webinar Series
CalNonprofits is proud to host our exclusive “Meet the Candidate” 1:1 webinar series – a dedicated space for nonprofit leaders to hear directly from those seeking the state’s highest office. This is your opportunity to hear firsthand how candidates plan to partner with us in strengthening the sector that strengthens California.
Register for the series and join us on the following dates:
- Candidate Porter April 28 at 1:00-1:30 PM Register Here
- Candidate Bianco April 30 at 10:00–10:30 AM Register Here
- Candidate Steyer May 12 at 11:30 AM–12:00 PM Register Here
All candidates who had qualified for the ballot and were polling at 5% or more were invited to participate. No other factors were considered.
Disclaimer: These interviews are for informational and educational purposes only and are intended to educate voters on candidates’ stances on issues relevant to our organization’s mission. CalNonprofits is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is strictly nonpartisan. We do not endorse or oppose any candidate for public office and are prohibited from doing so under federal tax law. Any views expressed in these responses are soley those of the candidates and do not reflect the views or positions of CalNonprofits.
CalNonprofits 2026 Policy Platform
The nonprofit sector isn’t just looking for a leader; we’re looking for a partner committed to building a stronger and more collaborative California. Nonprofits are indispensable to California’s success – employing more than 1.4 million Californians and securing the health, safety, and vibrancy of every zip code across the state. As the leading voice for the sector, CalNonprofits presents this policy platform to ensure the organizations anchoring our communities have the structural support to thrive.
- Strengthen government-nonprofit partnerships
- Build the economic strength of the nonprofit sector
- Invest in the health and sustainability of the nonprofit workforce
Read our full policy platform that outlines the path to better partnership.
Nonprofit Civic Engagement Resources
Civic Engagement and Charitable Nonprofit Organizations: Messaging and Response Guidance (National Council of Nonprofits) Messaging points and guidance that help nonprofit leaders confidently communicate the legality and importance of nonpartisan civic engagement, including how to respond if their work is challenged.
Democracy Needs You: 5 Steps Nonprofits Can Take to Support Free and Fair Elections (Nonprofit Quarterly)
An overview of the trusted role nonprofits play in elections and legally permitted ways they can support voter registration, education, and turnout.
Voting in Your State (Nonprofit VOTE)
Direct links to official state election information, so nonprofits can share accurate, up‑to‑date guidance with their communities.
