The 2026 Election Is All About Affordability

Despite the focus on affordability issues during the 2025 legislative session, cost-of-living concerns are still front and center for Californians.

Public Policy Institute of California polling from October found that 36% of likely voters think the cost of living, the economy and inflation are the most important issues facing Californians today. Just 2% think the environment, pollution and global warming deserve the top spot.

Moreover, 7 in 10 state residents expect bad economic times in 2026 with pessimism up 12% since last December. A full 19% of state residents say they are either financially stressed or going under.