California Voters Reject $18 Minimum Wage Proposal

California voters rejected Proposition 32, which aimed to raise the statewide minimum wage to $18 an hour, marking the first time in nearly 30 years a state has turned down a minimum wage increase at the ballot. The initiative, backed by entrepreneur Joseph Sanberg, faced opposition from business groups who argued it would increase living costs. Despite the defeat, supporters claim the close result lays groundwork for future wage advocacy. The outcome reflects broader national debates on wage policies, with varying results in other states.