In the ongoing California gubernatorial race for 2026, none of the candidates have shown strong support for reparations, particularly in terms of direct cash payments. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that several candidates gathered at the Black Bay Area State Report and 2026 California Governor’s Forum, organized by the Urban League of Black Bay Area, to discuss their plans for supporting Black Californians.
During this forum, Democratic candidates were probed on their proposals aimed at improving the lives of Black individuals in California. Among them, only Tony Thurmond, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, mentioned reparations, suggesting he would facilitate loans for Black residents as a substitute for cash payments. This response came during a discussion with Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, who has championed the idea of reparations as a means to achieve economic equality.
Interestingly, California was a pioneer among states in forming a reparations commission, which explored the historical context and potential compensation for Black Americans affected by slavery. Yet, current Governor Gavin Newsom has firmly rejected the concept of cash payments, even those estimated to be as high as $1.2 million per recipient, despite recommendations from the state’s reparations task force. Moreover, he vetoed several initiatives aimed at advancing reparative measures endorsed by the California Congressional Black Caucus. At the same time, Newsom did sanction funding for a university system to explore ways to identify descendants of enslaved individuals for potential benefits.
Newsom’s veto of Assembly Bill 7—which aimed to give admission priority to applicants who are descendants of enslaved people—was described by him as “unnecessary.” This bill’s proponent, Congressman Isaac Bryan, expressed disappointment at the veto, noting its potential to address systemic issues.
The California Legislative Black Caucus has been vocal in their efforts, looking for a compensation process for racially motivated property losses and expediting professional license applications for descendants of enslaved individuals. However, with Newsom’s imminent departure from office, it’s uncertain how these reparations ambitions will materialize under the next administration.
Xavier Becerra, a former Secretary of Health and Human Services, indicated a desire to support reparations, noting the necessity of collaborating with Congress, but raised concerns about funding. Other candidates at the forum, including Tom Steyer and Antonio Villaraigosa, accentuated their commitment to representation yet refrained from endorsing specific reparations proposals. Villaraigosa placed more emphasis on improving the education system, viewing it as a method to remedy past discrimination rather than endorsing a reparations plan.
While candidates like Ian Calderon spoke about “real restoration” signifying tangible resources to combat economic disparities, others like Betty Yee prefer exploring alternatives to straightforward cash reparations, suggesting a more systemic approach to addressing inequalities. Republican candidates were invited but did not show up at the event, and no candidate commented in response to inquiries regarding the issue.
As discussions continue, voices like that of Lisa Holder, a civil rights attorney, emphasize the complexity and duration involved in rectifying historical injustices, stating that significant legislative changes must accompany any attempts at reparations. For Holder, real change requires a profound reconsideration of systems that have perpetuated inequality for generations.
