Public Policy Institute of California

California’s homicide rate reached a historic low of 3.5 per 100,000 people in 2025, continuing a national decline in killings. Police clearance rates for homicides also rose significantly, reaching 79% in 2024, as federal and local law enforcement efforts contributed to reduced violence in cities like Los Angeles.

California voters are increasingly rejecting ballot measures that add new taxes, despite the state's high tax burden. Recent election results show declining approval rates for tax increases, including rejections in San Francisco and other Democratic-leaning regions.

California Democrats and Republicans want faster election results, but Democrats oppose changes that could disenfranchise voters. The slow vote count, largely due to high mail-in ballot volumes, has drawn criticism from President Donald Trump, Nate Silver, and the New York Times editorial board. California's secretary of state and election officials emphasize accuracy over speed, citing funding constraints for county election operations.

California faces the nation’s highest cost of living, with rents 53% above average and a 900,000-person out-migration since 2015. The state has responded with minimum wage hikes, including a $20 fast food wage, but debates persist over whether these measures raise prices or reduce employment. Housing construction remains stagnant at 100,000 units annually despite policy changes.

California's top-two primary system, designed to encourage moderate candidates by requiring cross-spectrum appeal, often results in typical partisan general elections with one Democrat and one Republican. Critics argue the system fails to promote ideological diversity, as voters treat it like partisan primaries, and some races see strategic undermining of opponents. Proposals to repeal the system or adopt ranked choice voting are gaining traction.

California's population growth has slowed significantly due to declining immigration and birth rates. A 2023 study by the Public Policy Institute of California found the total fertility rate dropped to 1.48, below the replacement level of 2.1, contributing to population stagnation and a loss of congressional seats.

Xavier Becerra leads the California governor race with 25% support, while Steve Hilton and Tom Steyer compete for second place in a June 2 primary. A UC Berkeley poll shows three candidates separating from the field, with the top two advancing to a November runoff.

Xavier Becerra leads in California's gubernatorial race with 23 percent support according to a new survey by the Public Policy Institute of California. The polling indicates he is widening his lead over other Democratic candidates.

Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton lead the California governor's race with 23% and 20% support in a recent survey. The June 2 primary will determine the top two candidates advancing to a November runoff, with slow Democratic voter turnout and concerns about Republican vote fragmentation highlighted.

Olivia Viola, a Christian track star, is speaking out against trans athletes competing in girls' sports and feels Christians are being unfairly targeted. She will vote for Sheriff Chad Bianco, who supports protecting girls' sports. A survey found that most Californians oppose biological male trans athletes competing in women's sports.

California Democratic candidate Katie Porter faced backlash after stating that illegal immigrants contribute to the state's population growth. Porter's comment was made during a gubernatorial debate, where she emphasized the importance of protecting all Californians. The statement sparked criticism from Republicans and conservative influencers on social media.

The cost of housing is the top issue for likely voters in California, according to recent polling by the Public Policy Institute of California. The article highlights the state's high cost of living and housing as a critical concern for residents and those priced out of the state.