Seven Democratic candidates for governor gathered at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento on May 12, 2025 for a lively event hosted by the California Federation of Labor Unions, AFL-CIO, and the State Building and Construction Trades Council. The candidates included Katie Porter, Eleni Kounalakis, Toni Atkins, Antonio Villaraigosa, Betty Yee, Xavier Becerra, and Tony Thurmond. The event was captured by photographer Fred Greaves for CalMatters.
The highlight of the event came when the candidates were asked about their stance on California’s oil and gas industry and its impact on union jobs. The question raised concerns about the state’s plan to phase out petroleum-based fuels and the recent closure of two refineries. Nearly every candidate expressed support for the industry, with Antonio Villaraigosa providing a detailed response. He emphasized the need to consider the economic implications of targeting the oil and gas sector and highlighted the high gas prices in California.
According to employment attorney Michael Bernick, previous refinery closures have not led to successful transitions for laid-off workers. Despite government funding for retraining, many workers struggled to find new jobs with comparable wages. Economist Michael Mische warned that the closure of two more refineries could have severe consequences for consumers, potentially leading to a 75% increase in gas prices by the end of 2026. The looming challenges in California’s energy sector pose a significant threat to the state’s economy and require careful navigation by the next governor. The stakes are high, and any misstep could have disastrous consequences.
