Candidate for Governor, Betty Yee

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Today we introduce a new series of interviews with the 2026 California gubernatorial candidates. First up, California gubernatorial candidate Betty Yee.

Yee boasts nearly four decades of public service. In 2006 she began a stint on the Board of Equalization, followed by two terms as California State Controller (2015-2023). She is he tenth woman to be elected to statewide office in California. She has also served as the Female Vice Chair of the California Democratic Party since May 2021. Yee announced her candidacy for California governor in March; we spoke with her in May about her campaign, about the 2024 elections, and what unique perspectives she brings to the race.

Plus, we tell you who had the Worst Week in California Politics.

:53 Introducing Betty Yee

2:46 How will you stand out in a crowded field?

4:55 A caretaker for an aging parent

9:59 Is California ready for a BIPOC female governor?

14:20 How are the AAPI communities relating to Democrats this year?

17:28 The impact of Palestine/campus protests on the Nov. election

21:50 Crime and Prop. 47

26:58 Romualdo Pacheco, California’s only Hispanic governor

27:51 “Why should a voter support Betty Yee?”

30:39 WWCA: Belly flop on crime policy

(Earlier version of article corrected to reflect nearly four decades in public service, not two, and that she announced her candidacy in March 2024)