Californians Brace for Budget Gaps and a Tight 2026 Governor’s Race

PPIC’s February 2026 statewide survey finds Californians worried about a $2.9 billion budget gap and the cost of living, favoring lower taxes and fewer services with health and human services as a priority. About 62% of adults and likely voters approve of Governor Newsom’s proposed budget, while views on closing the gap split (43% via spending cuts, 39% via a mix, 8% via tax increases). An overwhelming 77% want voters to have a say on spending and taxes at the ballot box, and 61% support raising taxes on the wealthiest to reduce the gap. Newsom’s approval stands around 51% with the Legislature at 46%. Californians remain pessimistic about the state and national directions, disapprove of ICE and the president, and the governor’s race in June features five leading candidates (Hilton, Porter, Bianco, Swalwell, Steyer) in a close top-two contest.