A recent CBS News poll reveals Californians’ key concerns and policy preferences ahead of the state’s upcoming gubernatorial debate. The survey, conducted from April 23 to 27, 2026, with a representative sample of 1,479 registered voters, highlights widespread support for a tax on billionaires, high priority on addressing fraud in state agencies, and acute worries about housing affordability.
Voter Support for Billionaire Tax and Fraud Concerns
The majority of California voters endorse imposing an additional state tax on billionaires, though this stance is opposed predominantly by Republicans. Fraud within state agencies is perceived as a significant problem by a majority of voters across the political spectrum. Most agree that uncovering and addressing fraud should be considered a high priority for the next governor.
Immigration Views Show Partisan Divide
The poll indicates that California voters do not broadly support the Trump administration’s deportation program. Democrats especially favor a governor who would resist cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, while Republicans tend to support such cooperation. Additionally, most voters feel that the deportation program does not sufficiently prioritize dangerous criminals in California. On the whole, more Californians believe immigration has had a positive impact on the state than a negative one.
Housing Affordability and Homelessness
Housing affordability remains a critical issue, with three-quarters of surveyed voters considering it unaffordable. This perception affects the sentiment around achieving the “California Dream.” For homeowners, insurance costs are a particular concern. When asked about solutions for homelessness, voters prioritize increasing housing availability and expanding mental health treatment services.
Stance on Student Athletes’ Gender Policies
The majority of California voters believe student athletes should compete on teams that correspond to their sex at birth. This issue divides Democrats, reflecting ongoing debates around gender and sports participation.
Polling Methodology
This CBS News/YouGov survey was weighted for gender, age, race, education, region, and 2024 presidential vote, with a margin of error of ±4.2 points for registered voters and ±4.1 points for likely primary voters.
Why it matters
With the California gubernatorial race intensifying, these voter attitudes highlight the issues candidates must address to gain support. Taxation of the wealthy, immigration enforcement cooperation, and housing affordability are especially critical to the electorate, shaping the debate’s focus and influencing campaign strategies ahead of the primary election.
Background
California faces ongoing political debates around income inequality, immigration policies, and the escalating housing crisis. Previous attempts to tax billionaires have been met with political resistance, making this issue highly relevant in the current election cycle. The state also grapples with systemic challenges in managing homelessness and state agency oversight, underscoring voters’ demand for effective governance.
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Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source: