Could Affordability Decide California’s Governor Race?

In California’s gubernatorial race, Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton are hoping to win over voters with their drastically different plans to address affordability in the state with the highest cost of living in the nation. 

California’s high cost of living is top of mind for voters heading into the 2026 elections. A September poll conducted by SurveyUSA found that 49% of voters surveyed said the cost of living is the biggest issue California is currently facing. A Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy poll found that the cost of living and the economy will be a prime concern for 48% of voters when deciding how to vote.

This concern cuts across parties, too, as a US Polling Data poll found the economy ranked as the top overall issue for both Democrats and Republicans. 

California also has the highest poverty rate in the nation. Sam Trachtman, senior researcher at Berkeley Economy & Society Initiative, stated, “What’s primarily causing high poverty rates is the cost of living.” Californians have the highest cost of living in the country, with mid-tier homes usually costing around $775,000. This is over twice as much as most mid-tier homes throughout the country.