Michael Duncan, a resident of Fairfield, California, recently shared his thoughts on what he hopes to see from the state’s next governor. As he adjusted his front door screen, he reflected on the basics that he believes should be prioritized: fighting crime, repairing the state’s roads, addressing homelessness, and improving wildfire prevention efforts. Duncan, who travels about 120 miles round trip to his job as an environmental analyst, expressed frustration over the slow pace of progress on these issues.
The upcoming gubernatorial race is already heating up, with more than six candidates vying to replace Gavin Newsom, who will be term-limited out of office in January 2027. Despite the crowded field, many voters seem unaware of the candidates. In discussions with nearly three dozen Californians from the Bay Area to the Sierra Nevada foothills, few could name anyone running for the position.
Duncan’s sentiment reflects a broader anxiety among Californians, who feel that the current governor has been more focused on national ambitions than on state issues. Many voters are looking for a leader who will be fully committed to California’s challenges rather than using the governorship as a stepping stone to higher office.
Some voters did mention a few candidates, like Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, but overall, there is a sense of disconnection from the political landscape. As the race progresses, it remains to be seen how candidates will address the pressing concerns of crime, infrastructure, homelessness, and wildfires that resonate with the electorate.
While the election is still some time away, the urgency for a governor who prioritizes state issues is palpable. Voters want someone who will take the job seriously and work diligently for the people of California. As the campaign unfolds, it will be interesting to see how candidates respond to these expectations and whether they can engage a public that seems increasingly disengaged from the political process.