By Mary O’KEEFE

In a recent CBS News poll of likely voters updated on April 27, the quality most looked for in California gubernatorial candidates was values. When asked, “What are you looking for in a candidate for Governor?” 77% stated values, 56% stated experience, 52% stated judgment and 50% stated change. 

The same poll found that 46% thought candidate debates were somewhat important, 30% thought debates were very important and 24% stated debates were not too/at all important. 

The next televised debate will be hosted by CNN on May 5 at 6 p.m. PST.  

Seven candidates have qualified to participate in CNN’s California gubernatorial primary debate on May 5. Republicans Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, along with Democrats Xavier Becerra, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer and Antonio Villaraigosa, are eligible to take part in the debate, according to CNN.

This week voters will be receiving their Primary Election Official Voter Information Guide. In that, voters will see a list of 62 names of candidates running for governor. However, when visiting vote.ca.gov voters will see fewer names listed on the final certified list of candidates. Some of the candidates have dropped from the governor’s race, like Betty Yee and Eric Swawell, but still have their names on the ballot because there was not enough time to remove their names from the ballot after they stepped down and the ballot was certified. 

As of press time there are about eight candidates who have polling numbers from 20% to 35% of likely voters; candidate Tom Steyer sits at the top with 35% and Antonio Villaraigosa is at the lowest at 20%. 

The timeline for the primary election on June 2:

Vote by Mail ballots will be sent out today, Thursday, and drop boxes (receptacles for those ballots) also open today. 

Voter registration deadline is May 18.

Replacement vote by mail ballot request deadline is on May 26.

Initial vote centers open on May 23.

All vote centers open on May 30.

Election Day is on June 2.