California Gubernatorial Candidates on Housing and Homelessness

Eight candidates competing in California’s gubernatorial race present varied plans to tackle the state’s housing affordability and homelessness issues. They generally agree on cutting regulatory barriers to accelerate housing construction. Some argue for more assertive measures in compelling homeless people to accept services, including drug treatments.

Candidate Proposals

The major contenders include two Republicans and six Democrats, all advancing to November’s general election if they are among the top two vote-getters, irrespective of party. Key Republican figures are Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton. The Democratic candidates feature figures like ex-Attorney General Xavier Becerra and former Congresswoman Katie Porter.

Xavier Becerra

Becerra advocates for increasing housing supply to balance the state’s market. He supports cutting red tape and speeding up project approvals. His plans involve quicker permit processes, reducing regulatory limits for infill projects, and strengthening eviction protections to shield tenants from displacement. To prevent homelessness, Becerra envisions a $150-million annual fund assisting those at risk of eviction or foreclosure.

Chad Bianco

Bianco seeks to dismantle barriers hindering housing development, including eliminating the California Environmental Protection Act. He supports existing property tax rules under Proposition 13. Bianco emphasizes clearing encampments, directing resources to mental health, and mandatory drug treatments where necessary.

Steve Hilton

Hilton’s approach differs by promoting the expansion of suburbs, enabling options for single-family homes. He suggests legal reforms to discourage private lawsuits that delay housing projects and supports funding for infrastructure expansion. On homelessness, Hilton proposes more group shelters and enabling mental health commitments for severe cases.

Matt Mahan

Mahan focuses on reducing development fees for infill housing and expediting permit approvals. He advocates for factory-built housing to reduce costs and promotes interim shelters with penalties for consistent refusal of housing offers. He also supports making homelessness-related state funding permanent.

Katie Porter

Porter emphasizes building diverse housing types to enhance affordability. Her plans include federal partnerships and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. A campaign spokesperson highlighted her focus on interim housing and emergency rental assistance for the homeless.

Tom Steyer

Steyer’s ambitious plan aims to construct 1 million homes in four years using factory-built homes and reforming housing finance. He suggests changes to tax rules impacting industrial properties to prevent excessive developer fees. Steyer plans to enhance state renter tax credits and expand interim housing for the homeless.

Tony Thurmond

Thurmond proposes constructing homes on surplus school district land for essential workers. He is exploring the return of redevelopment agencies to support housing construction. Thurmond also seeks to expand housing solutions with integrated mental health services.

Antonio Villaraigosa

Villaraigosa supports recent legislation to ease zoning restrictions for denser housing. He proposes bond measures for mixed-income housing on underutilized public properties and limiting investor home purchases. His homelessness strategy entails expanding state housing programs and increasing interim housing options.