In the crowded 2026 California Gubernatorial race, both parties are emphasizing affordability and cost-of-living, though they offer divergent solutions. While top Democrats advocate for expanding housing supply and targeted taxes, the leading Republicans focus heavily on deregulation, reducing government spending, and cutting taxes.
Here are the positions of the leading candidates in the race regarding homelessness and housing.
Leading Republicans
Steve Hilton (Former adviser to David Cameron, Fox News contributor)
Aims to expand suburban housing (sprawl) and cap development fees to make homeownership more accessible.
Chad Bianco (Riverside County Sheriff)
Pledges to cut red tape to build new housing faster and prioritizes strict enforcement and drug treatment over unconditional housing.
Leading Democrats
Xavier Becerra (Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary)
Focuses on expanding emergency shelters and reforming zoning/permitting laws to rapidly produce working-class and transit-oriented housing.
Katie Porter (Former U.S. Representative)
Focuses on building high-density, affordable housing near transit centers and utilizing vacant properties.
Tom Steyer (Billionaire entrepreneur and environmental activist)
Supports large-scale investment in public and affordable housing, favoring denser development in existing urban centers.
Matt Mahan (Mayor of San Jose)
Favors the rapid expansion of tiny home communities and supports policies that mandate shelter utilization and mandate treatment for homeless individuals.
To check the official backgrounds of the candidates, polling data, or find your nearest polling place, visit the California Secretary of State or review the KQED Voter Guide for detailed local overviews.