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A new PPIC statewide survey is a wake-up call for California voters and the candidates who want to lead this state. Yes, the Democrats hold the advantage now. But the poll also shows deep voter worry about the cost and common-sense tradeoffs of the state’s green agenda. That is where the real contest should be fought.
PPIC poll shows Becerra leading, but environment shapes the race
The PPIC poll finds Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra ahead of Republican candidate Steve Hilton, 61% to 36% among likely voters in a head-to-head matchup. The survey interviewed about 1,578 adults, including a likely-voter group of roughly 1,003, and was taken in late June and early July. The margins of error are small enough that the lead matters now, but not so big that the race is set in stone.
Just as important: 85% of likely voters say a candidate’s position on environmental issues matters to their vote. So yes, the state’s green policies are political gold for the party that can speak to voters’ real concerns — not just preach virtue.
Voters balk at expensive mandates and bad timing
Here’s the kicker: roughly two-thirds of Californians oppose Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order banning sales of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035. Most voters also say energy and gasoline costs are a problem, and a majority are not willing to pay more for electricity labeled “renewable.” In short, people want cleaner air and fewer wildfires, but they do not want to be punished at the pump or the meter while bureaucrats proclaim moral wins.
The poll also shows strong support for faster project reviews — about 73% of likely voters said they’d back a ballot change to reform environmental review rules. That tells you something: voters want better permits and better planning, not endless delays that jack up costs and leave projects unfinished.
What this means for November
Democrats may be ahead now, but a big lead does not guarantee victory. The environment is an asset for them only if they can square their green ambitions with voters’ worries about bills and reliability. Republicans, meanwhile, should stop shouting slogans and start offering clear plans: shore up EV charging, lower energy costs, fix CEQA so projects actually get built, and sell those ideas in plain language.
Call for a real contest — not a rerun of talking points
California voters deserve a real contest where both sides answer tough questions. Polls are a snapshot, not scripture. The PPIC results show a clear path: focus on affordability, infrastructure, and practical reforms that protect the environment without bankrupting families. If Republicans want to compete, they must meet voters where they are. If Democrats want to keep their lead, they must stop pretending price tags don’t matter. Either way, the campaign should be about problems and solutions — not just virtue signaling from high above Sacramento.
