California Governor Hopefuls Clash Over Housing Fixes Before June 2 Primary
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · May 9
California Governor Hopefuls Clash Over Housing Fixes Before June 2 Primary
10 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · May 9
Five leading Democratic candidates used a May 8 housing forum to argue California’s affordability crisis stems less from funding than from a building process they said is too slow and costly.
Katie Porter pushed for a single statewide permit, Tom Steyer backed modular construction, and Matt Mahan pointed to San Jose’s faster approvals and a broader state-level “builder’s remedy.”
Xavier Becerra, Porter, Steyer and Antonio Villaraigosa also targeted local impact fees and floated incentives or penalties for cities, including redevelopment tools and billions in new bond funding.
On homelessness, Becerra and Mahan highlighted Santa Clara County’s prevention model, where 92% of aided households stayed housed at about $6,500 per person.
The debate comes ahead of California’s June 2 primary, with a May 4 SurveyUSA poll showing Steve Hilton at 20%, Steyer at 18% and Becerra also at 18%.
Can factory-built homes and streamlined permits truly overcome local opposition to solve California's housing deficit?
Will new state funds solve homelessness, or do underlying issues of mental health and addiction require a different approach?
With a focus on building more, are leaders ignoring speculative investment's role in driving up housing prices?
California’s 2026 Gubernatorial Primary: Housing Affordability, Insurance Crisis, and the Battle for Reform
Overview
As California nears its June 2 primary, the governor’s race is at the center of attention, with voters focused on urgent issues like housing affordability and the home insurance crisis. The election process is well underway, with ballots mailed and drop-off locations open, as the state faces critical deadlines for voter registration and early voting. Candidates are debating how to address the housing crisis, proposing different solutions for regulatory reform and insurance market stability. These debates highlight the high stakes of the election, as Californians look for leadership to tackle complex economic and political challenges.