A new poll shows California voters favor tougher crime penalties, are divided on rent control, and see no clear leader in the 2026 governor race. (Shutterstock)
- 58% of likely voters support Proposition 36, reflecting a shift toward stricter criminal justice policies.
- Voters are split on Prop. 33, with 37% supporting expanded rent control and 33% opposing it.
- Democratic Rep. Katie Porter leads the 2026 governor race poll, despite not officially announcing a campaign.
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California voters strongly support tougher penalties for drug use and theft but remain divided on expanding rent control. In addition, there is no clear front-runner in the 2026 race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to a new poll cited by Politico.
The survey, conducted by USC, Cal State Long Beach, and Cal Poly Pomona, reflects a conservative shift in how Californians view criminal justice, despite the state’s Democratic majority.
Nearly 58% of likely voters back Proposition 36, a ballot measure to increase penalties for drug crimes and serial theft. The measure would roll back parts of Proposition 47, a 2014 initiative that reduced prison sentences. Only 19% of voters oppose Prop 36, even as Newsom and other Democratic leaders argue it would bring back outdated “war on drugs” policies.
Related Story: A Rent Control Proposition Is Back on the Ballot. Is Third Time the Charm?
“It basically shows that we’re not always as liberal of a state as the national perception,” said Christian Grose, a USC political science professor and lead pollster.
Voters are split on Prop. 33, which would allow cities to implement rent control on newer apartments. Thirty-seven percent support the measure, 33% oppose it, and the rest are undecided.
In the race to succeed Newsom, Democratic Rep. Katie Porter leads with 14%, though she hasn’t announced a campaign. Other candidates trail in single digits. The poll was conducted Sept. 12-25 and has a 2% plus-or-minus margin of error.
Related Story: Did CA’s Shift to Counseling Rather Than Punishing Felons Prevent Crimes? ...
California’s View on US Elections
Other highlights of this survey indicate that Vice President Kamala Harris has energized Democratic voters since leading the presidential ticket, potentially swaying down-ballot races. Harris has 57% support among likely California voters, five points higher than President Joe Biden’s earlier ratings. About 34% of voters back former President Donald Trump.
On the vice presidential front, Californians have mostly positive or mixed views on Democratic nominee Tim Walz, often describing him as “coach/teacher” and “kind.” In contrast, many voters referred to J.D. Vance, Trump’s running mate, as “liar” and “misogynist.”
Related Story: FBI Reports Decrease in Violent Crime, Auto Thefts and Hate Crimes Rise
In the Senate race, Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff is poised to easily defeat Republican and former baseball player Steve Garvey, with 53% support compared to Garvey’s 34%.
Read more at Politico.
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