In May, as part of the statewide Choose Children CA 2026 campaign, UNITE-LA joined our early care and education partners at Univision 34 / KMEX in Los Angeles to put children and families at the center of California's gubernatorial race as part of the Latinos Preguntan: Candidatos Responden segment.

The program featured one-on-one interviews with California's gubernatorial candidates who were available to attend, including Xavier Becerra, Chad Bianco, Steve Hilton, Katie Porter and Tony Thurmond, moderated by award-winning anchor Gabriela Tessier.

The event created space for meaningful dialogue between candidates and community partners, highlighting the critical role that affordable, accessible child care plays in supporting children, working families and California's economy. By bringing these issues to the forefront, the campaign is helping elevate the voices of families and advocates who are working to strengthen the systems that support young children.

UNITE-LA is proud to stand alongside partners advocating for policies and investments that expand opportunity for children and families across California. We are also grateful to Univision 34 / KMEX Los Angeles for making this conversation possible and helping amplify the voices of families statewide. Together, these efforts help ensure that early care and education remains a priority in conversations about California's future.

If you would like to watch the candidates' interviews, please visit choosechildren.org.