Inside the 2026 CA Governors’ Race
On September 5, 2025, women from across Orange County came together for a Women in Power Spaces (WiPS) event. Ashley Walker moderated a panel of distinguished women to discuss the 2026 gubernatorial race. The panel included Betty Yee, Candidate for Governor, Dr. Caroline Heldman, Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies Program Chair, Occidental College and Jodi Balman, Political Science Professor, Fullerton College.
The panel discussed why California has not elected a female governor, the unique barriers women face when running and the top issues that most urgently need the bold leadership of women. The discussion closed with the sharing of advice to the next generation of women watching the 2026 race.
The event was hosted by North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD).
