What does it take to prepare for a new governor? How have voting rights changed? And what will the 2026 election mean for California? Upcoming events at the UC Student and Policy Center will bring together policy experts, researchers and government leaders to explore these questions. Register for the October programs below and save the date for a post-election discussion in November.

California’s Gubernatorial Transition
Thursday, Oct. 22, 12–1 p.m. (PT) — Sacramento
Join the Center and the Partnership for Public Service for a lunchtime conversation about preparing for a change in state leadership. The discussion will explore the practical work of transition planning and how preparation can help state government continue serving Californians as a new administration takes office.

Featured speakers include the Partnership’s Max Stier and Keely Bosler, along with former California leaders Marybel Batjer and Diana Dooley. POLITICO senior political reporter Jeremy B. White will moderate. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m., and free lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

“An American Problem”: A Discussion of the Voting Rights Act
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 11:30 a.m.–1:15 p.m. (PT) — Sacramento
Join UC Center Sacramento for a panel discussion with Kevin T. Morris, co-author of “An American Problem: How the Country Built — and the Supreme Court Broke — the Voting Rights Act.” The conversation will explore the landmark law’s history and the challenges it has faced, including the Supreme Court’s 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder.

UC Center Sacramento executive director Chris Witko will moderate a panel featuring Morris, UCLA professor Matt Barreto, California Assembly Elections Committee chief consultant Ethan Jones, McGeorge School of Law professor emeritus Brian Landsberg and Center for Inclusive Democracy director Mindy Romero. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m.

Post-Mortem of the 2026 Election
Thursday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. (PT)
Registration will open soon. Stay tuned for details.
Following the Nov. 3 general election, the Center and Capitol Weekly will bring together experts for an in-depth look at the results. Speakers will examine key statewide and legislative races, ballot measures and emerging trends, along with what the outcomes could mean for California’s political and policy landscape.

For questions about upcoming events, contact the UC Student and Policy Center.