California Voters Say “Enough With the Drama, Give Us Results”
The new year began with a bold claim: California’s next election would split people into “builders” and “blockers,” not just red versus blue.
- Builders want practical solutions for housing, jobs, water, energy, safety and accountability.
- Blockers prefer to keep the status quo and let political theater decide everything.
Key Survey Findings
A statewide survey by FM3 Research shows that about two‑to‑one of likely voters in 2026 favor candidates who focus on state problems over those who only fight Trump.
- Independents, moderates, Latinos and small‑business households: ~68–69% prefer the “California‑results” candidate.
- Trump’s popularity: 64% give him a negative rating; voters are tired of letting the capital use his name to avoid tough decisions.
Why Builders vs. Blockers Matters
| Builder Perspective | Blocker Perspective |
|---|---|
| Sees housing, energy, water and jobs as one connected system. | Treats California’s dysfunction as acceptable if it means keeping ideology or bureaucracy intact. |
| Wants to solve problems directly. | Relies on political theater and status quo. |
Core Concerns
| Issue | Importance (%) |
|---|---|
| Inflation & rising living costs | 83% |
| Food, gas and essentials | ~80% |
| Water security | 81% |
| Safe, affordable energy | 75% |
| Lower taxes for working & middle‑class families | 76% |
Interconnected Challenges
- Housing shortages → higher commuting costs → increased gas bills.
- Energy prices hurt households and small businesses.
- Water scarcity pushes up food costs and creates regional anxiety.
- High taxes, fees & unpredictable revenue make people feel Sacramento is playing a slot machine instead of budgeting.
- Homelessness reflects a lack of accountability.
Housing Reality
California already has the nation’s highest share of homeowners spending more than half their income on housing (14%) and a high share of renters doing the same (28%). The crisis threatens family formation, workforce stability and the state’s legitimacy.
Voter Preferences
- Strong economy & job attraction over expanding the social safety net: 55% vs. 37%.
- Working with major employers rather than fighting corporate greed: 53% vs. 41%.
- Transparency & cutting waste are extremely important to 80%, just behind inflation.
Bottom Line
Californians want leaders who make values livable—through built homes, lower bills, reliable water and power, open businesses and families staying in the state. Political theater alone will not fill their wallets.
