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 taxes.
Leading Republicans
Steve Hilton (Former adviser to David Cameron, Fox News contributor)
Proposes shielding the first $100,000 of earnings from state income tax and cutting 18% of the state budget to eliminate waste and lower broader tax rates.
Chad Bianco (Riverside County Sheriff)
Wants to reduce the gas tax and eliminate the state income tax to offset the rising cost of living.
Leading Democrats
Xavier Becerra (Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary)
Proposes using tax credits to assist working-class families and ensuring corporations pay their fair share to reduce cost burdens.
Katie Porter (Former U.S. Representative)
Proposes completely eliminating state income taxes for Californians earning less than $100,000 while taxing wealthy individuals and large corporations to balance the budget.
Tom Steyer (Billionaire entrepreneur and environmental activist)
Proposes raising property taxes on commercial properties and supports wealth taxes for the ultra-wealthy to fund state programs.
Matt Mahan (Mayor of San Jose)
Opposes broad tax increases and favors cutting taxes on housing development and gasoline to improve affordability.
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.