By Jennifer De Pinto, Fred Backus
Updated on: April 27, 2026 / 8:25 PM EDT / CBS News
The California governor’s primary — and the debate on Tuesday — come as many voters say the state’s cost of living has become unmanageable and the California Dream feels out of reach. Primary voters’ priorities reflect those concerns, but partisans differ sharply about the state’s condition and what a governor should do next.
What voters want and value
Voters cite “values” and “judgment” as especially important qualities in a gubernatorial candidate. Democrats also emphasize “experience,” while Republicans more often seek “change.” Most voters say debates matter at least somewhat, suggesting the contest could shift in the final month before the primary.
Cost of living and the California Dream
More Californians now call the cost of living “unmanageable” than five years ago, reflecting post‑pandemic inflation and other pressures. Broader confidence that the California Dream is attainable has eroded, though people under 50 and younger Californians remain relatively more optimistic than older residents. Democrats are more likely than Republicans to feel the dream remains within reach.
Partisan views of the economy
Democrats generally have a more favorable impression of California’s economy and are likelier to say the state sets a good example nationally. Republicans paint a bleaker picture, seeing the state’s economy as worse than the nation’s and less exemplary. Those partisan views shape what each group wants from the next governor: Democrats prefer policies at least somewhat similar to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s, while Republicans seek sharper change.
Within the Democratic field, supporters of former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra are slightly more likely to want a governor very similar to Newsom, while those favoring Tom Steyer lean toward different policies. Republicans emphasize lowering taxes and other shifts. Democrats prioritize a mix of approaches that includes building more housing.
Gas prices and other economic pressures
Gas prices have presented a particular hardship for many voters. Californians are divided on whether the next governor should suspend part of the state gas tax, with slightly more opposed than in favor. Across parties, the economy, jobs, and inflation rank at or near the top of voters’ issue lists. Immigration and crime matter more to Republicans; climate change and healthcare are higher priorities for Democrats.
Foreign policy and Iran
National polling and California results show many voters perceive a link between rising gas prices and the conflict in Iran. Large majorities of California voters oppose U.S. military action in Iran and say a candidate’s position on that issue is important to their vote.
The Trump factor
Democrats overwhelmingly want a candidate who always opposes former President Donald Trump and would not cooperate with the administration on ICE operations. Many Democrats also believe the Trump administration treats California worse than other states. Republicans generally want a candidate who usually or always supports Trump.
Vote choice and the primary landscape
The race remains wide open and fractured. No two candidates have separated themselves clearly for the top-two spots that advance to November. Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Tom Steyer are the highest individually at mid‑teens support; most other candidates are within single digits of one another. Notably, more voters are undecided than support any single candidate, underscoring the potential for volatility.
California’s registered Democrats outnumber Republicans, but the crowded Democratic field risks splitting those votes and allowing two Republicans to finish atop the primary, excluding Democrats from the general election. Democratic voters have not yet consolidated behind any single contender.
Consideration versus current support
When asked which candidates they would consider supporting — even if not their current choice — many voters selected multiple names, indicating potential ceilings for candidates who can convert consideration into active support. For many voters, the field includes candidates they simply haven’t heard enough about. Democratic voters tend to consider multiple Democratic candidates and rarely cross to consider Republicans; the same holds inversely for Republican voters.
Electoral participation and satisfaction
A sizable portion of primary voters say they are not satisfied with the current choices. Independents are most likely to wish for more options, and unsatisfied voters are less likely to say they will vote, raising the possibility that the electorate could shift depending on turnout.
Survey methodology
This CBS News/YouGov survey interviewed a representative sample of 1,479 registered California voters between April 23–27, 2026. The sample was weighted by gender, age, race, education, and region using the voter file and U.S. Census data, and by 2024 presidential vote. The margin of error is ±4.2 points for registered voters and ±4.1 points for likely primary voters.
