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Seven candidates in California’s 2026 gubernatorial race are scheduled to take the stage for the state’s televised gubernatorial primary debate on Tuesday, May 5, at 6pm PT/9pm ET. Since CNN is hosting the two-hour special, it will also be available on any live TV streaming service that carries the network, including DirecTV (with a five-day free trial), Sling, and Hulu + Live TV.
At a glance: How to watch the 2026 California gubernatorial primary debate
- when: Tuesday, May 5, at 6pm PT/9pm ET
- channel: CNN
- Stream online: DirecTV, Sling, Hulu + Live TV
CNN anchors Kaitlan Collins and Alex Michaelson will moderate the May 5 gubernatorial debate between seven top candidates: Democrats Xavier Becerra, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer and Antonio Villaraigosa, as well as Republicans Chad Bianco and Steve Helton.
Since streamers are offering free trials and limited-time discounts, viewers can watch the CNN debate at no cost; Read on to learn more about each option.
Where the 2026 California gubernatorial primary debate will be broadcast on CNN
The May 5, 2026 gubernatorial primary debate will be broadcast live at 6pm PT/9pm ET on Tuesday, and is scheduled to last two hours. Since CNN is hosting the event, it can also be streamed live on any streaming TV service that carries the network: DirecTV (with a five-day free trial), Sling, and Hulu + Live TV.
Learn more about each option (and their free trials and new subscriber discounts) below.
DirectTV
Five-day free trial; Packages start at $19.99 per month
CNN is included in any of DirecTV’s premium packages: Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, or Premier. Additionally, DirecTV is offering a free five-day trial of the streaming service, meaning new subscribers can watch Tuesday’s debate at no cost.
Learn more about each plan option, including how to build your own channel lineup (starting at just $19.99 per month), at directv.com.
sling
Half off the first month for select plans
CNN is included in Sling’s Blue Plan, starting at $45.99 per month.
To get the best value for your money, choose Sling’s Orange & Blue plan, which, as the name suggests, offers it all both of them The Orange and Blue plans have to be offered starting at $60.99 per month.
The packages come bundled with subscriptions to Disney+ and ESPN+, and start at $89.99 per month.
