California Update: The Drama-Light Election

A monthly update on the state of the Golden State: – Why America’s biggest and maybe bluest state produced relatively little drama on Election Night (though a contentious mayoral race in Los Angeles remains unresolved) – Voters sending mixed messages in their initiative choices (a billionaire wealth tax got skunked, an income tax on upper earners sailed to victory yet again) – The likelihood of Gov.-elect Xavier Becerra deviating from Gavin Newsom on the likes of taxation, budgetary red ink, affordable housing, and a beleaguered high-speed rail. – What does the future bode for Los Angeles and an undecided mayor’s race whose winner likewise won’t lack for challenges in America’s second-largest city (chronic homelessness, a dwindling entertainment industry, and gearing up for the 2028 Summer Olympics)? To better understand the issues, tradeoffs and decisions shaping California’s future, visit California Decides, Hoover’s nonpartisan analysis hub: https://www.hoover.org/focus-areas/california-decides?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=mpp_youtube&utm_content=11062026 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to see what’s next: https://www.hoover.org/publications/matters-of-policy-and-politics?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=mpp_youtube&utm_content=11062026 __________ 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions: @HooverInstitution 👍 Like and share this video! 🌐 Follow us on social media: • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HooverInstStanford • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hoover-institution-at-stanford-university • Instagram: https://instagram.com/hooverinstitution • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hooverinstitution • X: https://www.twitter.com/HooverInst The opinions expressed on this channel are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hoover Institution or Stanford University. © 2026 by the Board of Trustees of Leland Stanford Junior University.