FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2025
Survey of 2,000 voters underscores growing concerns about California’s future ahead of the 2026 governor’s race and Health Matters gubernatorial forum on November 7th
LOS ANGELES, CA – A new statewide poll of 2,000 likely voters, commissioned to inform an upcoming gubernatorial forum on health, finds that Californians are increasingly anxious about the cost of living, especially the cost of health care.
Majorities say they love their state and feel connected to their communities, but many worry they can’t afford to build a good life here. The survey shows that voters want their next governor to focus on health care affordability, housing, and the everyday costs that make it harder for families to live and thrive in California.
“Californians believe in the promise of our state, but far too many are struggling to meet the basic needs of a healthy life,” said Richard Tate, President and CEO of The California Wellness Foundation.
“What voters want from the next governor is clear: affordable housing, health care that doesn’t break the bank, mental health support they can count on, and the ability to care for their loved ones with dignity and peace of mind.”
The poll was commissioned by The California Wellness Foundation to inform and shape the upcoming Health Matters gubernatorial forum on November 7th and was conducted by EVITARUS. The California Wellness Foundation is one of 11 foundations organizing the upcoming Health Matters Forum. Healthcare Concerns & Priorities Health care affordability remains a key concern statewide. Nearly 80% of voters are worried about the cost of care, and 72% believe capping out-of-pocket expenses should be a top priority for the next governor. Nearly 70% also view expanding access to affordable mental health care as extremely or very important. When it comes to caring for aging family members or friends, 66% of voters express concern about being able to do so.
Community and Affordability Beyond health care, voters worry about whether they can continue building strong communities and a good life in California amid rising costs. 70% agree that Californians step up for one another in times of crisis, reflecting a strong sense of community. Almost two-thirds (61%) feel respected and included in their communities, showing that shared values and belonging continue to endure.
Despite this sense of belonging, 72% of voters say they love California but fear they may not be able to afford to stay long-term. Nearly half (44%) say they’ve had to move or downsize in the past five years just to make ends meet. Young adults are especially anxious about the future, with 83% of 18- to 24-year-olds worried about finding or keeping a stable, good-paying job.
Immigration Enforcement
The survey also reveals the wide ripple effects of increased federal immigration enforcement. More than half of Californians (57%) are concerned about stepped-up enforcement, and nearly 40% know someone whose mental health has suffered as a result.
60% of Latino voters in Los Angeles report knowing someone experiencing financial hardship linked to immigration actions, and 69% of voters statewide want the next governor to protect affected families and stand up to federal policies that harm communities.
Inland Empire
The survey oversampled voters in the Inland Empire where the Health Matters gubernatorial forum will be hosted. Voters in this region shared many of the same concerns and reflected statewide trends. In addition to healthcare affordability, 89% of voters identified mental health access as a top policy priority with 70% calling it extremely important.
Additionally, voters in the Inland Empire face some of the steepest challenges with affordability and stability. Nearly 50% said they have had to move or downsize in the past five years, and nine in ten believe it will be harder for the next generation to afford a good life in the region.
As a result, confidence in state leadership is low. 70% of non-college voters and 69% of Latino voters in the Inland Empire expressed little faith in government efforts to solve these issues.
Latino Voters
The survey also oversampled Latino voters. Among Latino voters, the top three policy priorities are lowering the cost of doing business, expanding access to mental health care, and capping out-of-pocket health costs. For Spanish-speaking voters in particular, health policies dominate: 91% say expanding access to mental health services is an extremely or very important priority, and 87% say the same when it comes to affordable health care. Latino voters believe in California, with 64% saying they feel respected and a valued member of the community in California.
Governor’s Race
The survey also offers a look at the 2026 governor’s race. Former Congresswoman Katie Porter, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, should he decide to run, emerged as early frontrunners. Porter leads with 21% of likely voters, followed by Bianco at 17% and Padilla at 15%. One in five voters remain undecided.
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About Cal Wellness
The California Wellness Foundation is an independent foundation working to advance health and racial justice for the people of California. We make grants to nonprofit organizations, speak out for social justice, build partnerships, and are committed to investing 100% of our $1 billion endowment toward creating healthier, more equitable communities.
About Health Matters Forum
The Health Matters forum is organized by 11 philanthropic foundations committed to ensuring every Californian has the chance to live healthy and well. Leading candidates for governor will respond to questions from communities often left out of policymaking because of geography, income, race and ethnicity, and systemic barriers. The nonpartisan forum will take place Nov 7 in the Inland Empire, and is supported by Archstone Foundation, Blue Shield of California Foundation, Sierra Health Foundation, The LA 84 Foundation, The Inland Empire Community Foundation, The Inland Empire Health Plan Foundation, The California Health Care Foundation, The California Endowment, The California Wellness Foundation, The Metta Fund, and the
SCAN Foundation.
Contact:
Jon Koriel, Bryson Gillette