On September 8, 2025, the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs Association (APAPA), in a collaborative effort with California State University, Sacramento, hosted the 2025 California Educational Gubernatorial Forum. This nonpartisan event served as a critical platform for advancing civic engagement and promoting informed public discourse. The forum, held at the university’s Student Union Ballroom, drew a distinguished audience and a number of gubernatorial candidates, including Xavier Becerra, Steve Hilton, Katie Porter, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa, Butch Ware, Betty Yee, and Leo Zacky. Additionally, three other candidates, Toni Atkins, Chad Bianco, and Che Ahn, provided remarks via video. The forum’s agenda was structured to include both a formal general session and informal receptions, thereby offering a comprehensive opportunity for dialogue between candidates and attendees.
The primary objective of the forum was to provide an open and transparent venue for gubernatorial candidates to articulate their policy positions on issues vital to the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community and their coalition partners. This mission was driven by APAPA Founder CC Yin and National Board Chair Joe Johal, alongside Sacramento State President Dr. Luke Wood. By facilitating direct engagement with political hopefuls, APAPA aimed to empower voters and strengthen the democratic process.
The event was co-emceed by a notable team: CBS 13 News’ Julie Watts, CSU Trustee Wenda Fong, and APAPA student intern Dylan Morgan. Distinguished guests in attendance included Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and California Controller Malia Cohen. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis remarked, “This is such an impressive event. I want to congratulate the APAPA team and all their student interns leading the way. I’ve been honored to host several interns in my office over the years. The incredible diversity and partnerships in this room reflect the strength of our community and our great state.”
