Watch/Listen On-Demand: California Politics Now election discussion concerning attorney general, secretary of state, and treasurer positions
- May 7
- 3 min read
ONME News has a few one-on-one discussions with State of California executive branch candidates
On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the ONME News team hosted the California Politics Now Election Forum Discussion featuring attorney general, secretary of state, and treasurer candidates:
California Secretary of State
(Incumbent) Shirley N. Weber (D)
Donald P. (Don) Wagner (R)
Gary N. Blenner (Green)
Michael Feinstein (Green)
(Current Secretary of State: Dr. Shirley Weber)
California Secretary of State:
The California Secretary of State is the state's chief elections officer, overseeing all state and federal elections, business registration, notary public commissions, and political campaign/lobbying disclosures. The office manages the state archives, the Safe at Home program, and files business entity documents
Key Duties of the California Secretary of State:
Elections Management: Acts as the chief election officer, managing voter registration databases, certifying election results, and collaborating on voting infrastructure security.
Business Registrations: Processes filings for corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and partnerships.
Political Transparency: Manages the Political Reform Division, which handles campaign financial disclosures and lobbyist registration.
Notary Public & Records: Commissions notaries public and keeps the state’s key documents, including the constitution and the.
Great Seal.Safe at Home Program: Administers a confidential address program for victims of sexual assault, stalking, or domestic violence.
State Archives: Safeguards the state’s historical documents.
State of California Attorney General
(Incumbent) Rob Bonta (D)
Michael E. Gates (R)
Marjorie Mikels (Green)
(Current Attorney General: Rob Bonta)
The California Attorney General:
The California Attorney General, as the state's top law enforcement official and legal counsel, heads the Department of Justice to ensure uniform enforcement of laws. Responsibilities include defending state laws in court, prosecuting criminal and civil cases, protecting consumers and the environment, and aiding local law enforcement.
Key Duties of the California Attorney General
Top Law Enforcement Officer: Supervises local district attorneys and sheriffs, manages the Department of Justice (DOJ), and investigates criminal operations.
Legal Representation: Represents the People of California in civil and criminal matters before trial, appellate, and supreme courts. Acts as legal counsel to state officers, boards, and agencies.
Consumer & Rights Protection: Enforces laws against mortgage fraud, illegal business practices, and identity theft. Protects civil rights, workers, tenants, and homeowners.
Environmental Protection: Prosecutes civil and criminal violations of environmental laws.
Public Safety & Criminal Justice: Targets organized retail crime, illegal firearms (ghost guns),and fentanyl trafficking.
Statutory Authority: Collects and analyzes crime statistics and issues legal opinions to state agencies
Candidate featured on the show May 5, 2026:
State of California Treasurer Candidates
Anna M. Caballero (D)
Eleni Kounalakis (D)
Tony Vazquez (D)
Jennifer Hawks (R)
David Serpa (R)
Glenn Turner Green
Role: The California State Treasurer is an independently elected constitutional officer serving as the state’s lead banker, asset manager, and financier. Key responsibilities include investing state funds, managing the state’s investment portfolio (Pooled Money Investment Account), issuing bonds for infrastructure (transportation, education, housing), and serving on major pension boards like CalPERS and CalSTRS.
Candidate featured on the show May 5, 2026:
WHERE TO WATCH AND LISTEN TO THE ONME NETWORK FORUMS
Online on-demand
ONME TV (video)
ONME Podcast Network (audio)
Shareable Third-Party Audio Podcast
Upcoming Election Forum Candidate Sing-Up Below
Each online discussion allows candidates to speak to constituents across California for up to 60 minutes for 3-5 candidates per session and 90 minutes for 5-8 candidates per session. ONME News has created forums for the following state elected positions: governor, lieutenant governor, treasurer, insurance commissioners, state controller, superintendent of public instruction, secretary of state, and board of equalization.
Candidates can register and RSVP below to be included in the forum. (Candidates will be present online only.)
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