Bridges Auditorium hosted the most inclusive debate of the 2026 race for California governor.
Leading up to the high-profile event at Bridges Auditorium—hosted in partnership with CBS News California and Asian Pacific
Tene Ariyo ’26, center,
stands in as a gubernatorial
candidate during a dress rehearsal.
American Public Affairs—students took on myriad behind-the-scenes roles to help prepare for the live production and keep the night humming.
They stood in as moderators and candidates during dress rehearsals; greeted and assisted candidates as they arrived; ushered
dozens of media members and VIP guests; shot video; helped check in visitors outside; and guided attendees to their seats and the post-event reception.
Jake Chang ’26, a public policy analysis major who greeted VIP guests when they arrived, says being a welcoming face for elected officials, leaders and other stakeholders “gave me the opportunity to talk with the changemakers of California and see this monumental event as bigger than myself.”
Sara Sadhwani, assistant professor of politics, helped moderate the final segment of the gubernatorial debate.
In addition to backstage roles, four from the Pomona community had on-screen roles.
Sara Sadhwani, assistant professor of politics, moderated the final segment of the evening with CBS Bay Area anchor Ryan Yamamoto, and Dante Gilbert ’27, Ryan Kossarian ’27 and Kloi Ogans ’28 each asked the eight candidates onstage a question.
Kossarian, a politics major, believes he spoke for many when he remarked, “Wow, that was a bit of a mess,” in response to the candidates’ back-and-forth early in the debate.
“I was glad I was able to say that part out loud on the stage—and many people seemed to agree,” he says, adding that he felt “the presence of the democratic spirit” in being able to ask the candidates directly how they would tackle the rising cost of education and bring jobs back to the Golden State.
Elaine Suh ’28, one of several students who ushered visiting media members, says being involved in the event reminded her that “even as a molecular biology major, I have every opportunity to engage in the political sphere.”