If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, The Hollywood Reporter may receive an affiliate commission.
Seven candidates in California’s 2026 governor race are set to take the stage at the televised gubernatorial primary debate on Tuesday, May 5, at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET. Since CNN is hosting the two-hour special event, it will also be available on any live TV streaming service that carries the network, including DirecTV (with a five-day free trial), Sling and Hulu + Live TV.
At a Glance: How to Watch 2026 California Governor Primary Debate
CNN Anchors Kaitlan Collins and Elex Michaelson are moderating the May 5 gubernatorial debate between seven of the top candidates: Democrats Xavier Becerra, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer and Antonio Villaraigosa, plus Republicans Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton.
Since select streamers are offering free trials and limited-time discounts, viewers can watch the CNN debate at no cost; keep reading to learn more about each option.
Where to Stream the 2026 CNN California Governor Primary Debate Online
The May 5, 2026 gubernatorial primary debate will be broadcast live at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, and is scheduled to run two hours. Since CNN is hosting the event, it can also be streamed live on any TV streaming service that carries the network, namely DirecTV (with a five-day free trial), Sling and Hulu + Live TV.
Learn more about each option (and their free trials and new subscriber discounts) below.
DirecTV
Five-day free trial; packages from $19.99 per month
CNN is included in any of DirecTV’s signature packages: Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate or Premier. Plus, DirecTV is offering a five-day free trial for its streaming service, meaning new subscribers can watch Tuesday’s debate at no cost.
Learn more about each plan option, including how to build your own channel lineup (starting at just $19.99 per month), at directv.com.
Sling
Half off first month for select plans
CNN is included in Sling’s Blue Plan, starting at $45.99 per month.
For the best bang for your buck, opt for Sling’s Orange & Blue plan, which, as the name implies, provides everything both the Orange and Blue plans have to offer, starting at $60.99 monthly.
Packages come bundled with subscriptions to Disney+ and ESPN+, and start at $89.99 per month.
