Both Candidates Showed a Strong Grasp of Consumer Issues and Solid Proposals; Candidates Becerra and Hilton Declined to Speak with CFC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, May 21, 2026

SACRAMENTO, CA – The Consumer Federation of California (CFC) today announced endorsements of Katie Porter and Tom Steyer for California Governor in the upcoming primary election ending on June 2nd. CFC believes both candidates would be fierce advocates for California consumers if elected. 

“After interviewing multiple candidates, the Consumer Federation of California decided that two merited our endorsement – Katie Porter and Tom Steyer,” said CFC Executive Director Robert Herrell. “Both were well-versed on consumer protection issues and had concrete proposals to help consumers given that affordability issues squeeze Californians each day. CFC doesn’t usually endorse more than one candidate but given the fluid nature of California’s Governor race and the quality of these two candidates, we felt it was warranted here. Both Katie Porter and Tom Steyer would make an excellent governor of California.” 

Herrell mentioned an appreciation of candidate Chad Bianco’s candor in speaking with CFC and noted that there was some common ground on certain issues. CFC noted that even after multiple reach outs to candidates, Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton declined to be interviewed. Should either or both candidates qualify for the November general election, CFC hopes that they will be open to discussing important consumer issues with the organization. 

About the Consumer Federation of California: The Consumer Federation of California is a nonprofit advocacy organization that, since 1960, has been a powerful voice for consumer rights. CFC campaigns for laws and regulations that place consumer protection ahead of corporate profit. 

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Tags: 2026, Endorsements, Governor Race