Eight candidates competing for governor of California are proposing different strategies to tackle the state’s housing affordability and homelessness crises. While opinions vary, many agree on the need to reduce bureaucratic hurdles to expedite housing construction. Some candidates stress the importance of compelling homeless individuals to accept services, including drug treatment.
Steve Hilton, a leading Republican candidate, advocates for easing the establishment of new suburbs to improve housing affordability. In contrast, Democratic candidates generally back increasing the housing supply within existing urban areas.
Current Challenges
California’s housing costs and associated homelessness remain pressing issues. Candidates aim to construct more housing, enhance affordability, and reduce homelessness. Plans also address related mental health and drug addiction challenges.
Candidates Overview
This gubernatorial primary features two Republicans and six Democrats, all vying to advance to the November general election. Republican contenders are Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and commentator Steve Hilton. Democratic candidates include former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, San José Mayor Matt Mahan, former Congresswoman Katie Porter, hedge fund founder Tom Steyer, California Superintendent Tony Thurmond, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Xavier Becerra
Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra supports increasing housing supply by cutting red tape. He proposes requiring timely approval of building permits and revising laws to spur more affordable housing construction. Becerra also stresses tenant protections and offers a homelessness prevention fund.
Chad Bianco
Chad Bianco’s campaign focuses on removing barriers to housing development. He plans to eliminate regulations hindering construction, including the California Environmental Protection Act. Bianco intends to use Supreme Court powers to clear encampments and expand mental health support.
Steve Hilton
Steve Hilton advocates for suburban expansion to accommodate single-family housing and relieve urban price pressures. He proposes reforming environmental laws to prevent development delays and suggests restructuring rent control to encourage construction. On homelessness, Hilton favors low-cost group shelters and increasing mental health institution capacity.
Matt Mahan
Mayor Matt Mahan focuses on lowering development fees for infill housing. He aims to streamline permit processes and promote factory-built housing strategies. Mahan seeks to provide interim beds for the homeless and advocates for funding housing law reforms and incentives.
Katie Porter
Former Representative Katie Porter calls for diverse housing types to support affordability. Her plans include federal investment into California’s housing needs and incentives for innovation in housing construction. She emphasizes emergency housing and rental assistance as vital components of her homelessness strategy.
Tom Steyer
Tom Steyer proposes policies to build 1 million homes by optimizing public housing finance and using public lands. He intends to reshape property tax regulations and encourage factory-built homes. Steyer emphasizes expanding interim housing to address homelessness more efficiently.
Tony Thurmond
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond envisions building 2 million homes by utilizing school district lands. He supports redevelopment agencies to boost construction and increase housing with integrated mental health services for the homeless.
Antonio Villaraigosa
Antonio Villaraigosa backs existing laws enabling denser housing developments. His proposals involve reducing development fees and leveraging public lands for mixed-income housing. Villaraigosa plans to enhance interim housing investments and treatment programs for the homeless.
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