California voters are set to make crucial decisions on November 3, 2026, as they weigh in on 14 statewide ballot measures. These proposals span a wide range of issues, including taxation, housing, healthcare, and election reforms. The measures have sparked intense debate, with interest groups and prominent figures on both sides of the aisle.
The ballot includes high-stakes proposals like a billionaire tax an affordable housing bond and voter ID requirements. Each measure has garnered significant support and opposition, reflecting the diverse priorities of California’s electorate.
The billionaire tax and its opponents
One of the most contentious measures is the proposed one-time 5% wealth tax on the assets of approximately 200 California billionaires. This tax, to be paid over five years, aims to generate revenue for healthcare, education, and food assistance programs. Ninety percent of the revenue would go to healthcare for low-income Californians, while the remaining 10% would support education and food assistance programs.
Supporters of the billionaire tax include the Service Employees International Union–United Healthcare Workers WestU.S. Senator Bernie SandersTeamsters California and AFSCME California. On the other hand, opponents include Governor Gavin Newsom prominent billionaires like Google co-founder Sergey Brin and Ripple Labs co-founder Chris Larsen and various medical associations.
Tax audits and spending limits
In response to the billionaire tax proposal, another measure aims to require state audits of programs funded by new taxes. This measure would also apply revenue from new taxes to the state’s spending cap, effectively canceling out the wealth tax proposal if both measures pass. The measure with the most votes would prevail in case of a conflict.
Supporters of this tax audit measure include Building a Better California primarily funded by Brin and venture capitalists John Doerr and Michael Moritz and Reform California led by GOP Assemblymember Carl DeMaio of San Diego. Proponents of the billionaire tax initiative oppose this measure.
Housing and healthcare initiatives
The ballot also features a $11.25 billion affordable housing bond which would allow the state to borrow funds to buy, build, rehabilitate, and preserve affordable homes. Additionally, a $25 billion mortgage loan program aims to assist homebuyers with lower incomes. These measures reflect the state’s ongoing efforts to address its housing crisis.
In the healthcare sector, a measure requires federally qualified health centers to spend 90% of their revenue on direct patient care and services. Clinics that fail to comply would face fines, with the money going into a state-operated account for worker training and staffing. This initiative is supported by the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West and opposed by various medical associations.
Election reforms and other key measures
Election reforms are also on the table, including a voter ID requirement and a measure to eliminate immediate successor elections after recalls. The voter ID measure would require government-issued ID for in-person voting and the last four digits of an ID number for mail-in voting. The recall reform measure aims to leave the post vacant until a separate election fills it, allowing the recalled official to run again.
Other notable measures include making a high-earner income tax permanent raising the threshold for local special taxes, and expediting environmental reviews for various projects. These proposals highlight the broad range of issues that California voters will consider in the upcoming election.
