As California heads into a crucial debate night, voters are sending a clear message: the race is still wide open. With no dominant frontrunner and a large chunk of undecided voters, the coming weeks could reshape everything.
The latest CBS News/YouGov poll paints a picture of a deeply divided electorate, where concerns over affordability, the economy, and national politics are colliding. Candidates now face a high-stakes moment to win over voters still making up their minds. With debates seen as influential, this could be the turning point many campaigns have been waiting for.
ALSO READ: Quote of the Day by Confucius: 'The man who asks a question is a fool for...'—Inspiring quotes by the ancient Chinese philosopher renowned for aphorisms
What are voters really worried about right now?
If there’s one issue uniting California voters across party lines, it’s affordability. According to the poll, 70% say the cost of living is “unmanageable” in their area — a sharp reflection of economic pressure in the state.
Beyond that, the economy and jobs rank at the very top, with 84% calling it a key issue, followed closely by inflation at 75%. Gas prices are also weighing heavily, with more than half saying they’re difficult to manage financially.
Voters are split on how to fix these problems. Many Democrats favor building more housing, while Republicans lean toward lowering taxes as the primary solution. Even on gas tax policies, opinions remain divided, showing just how complex the economic debate has become.
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Despite several high-profile candidates, no one has pulled ahead in a decisive way. The poll shows Republican Steve Hilton at 16%, Democrat Tom Steyer at 15%, and Xavier Becerra at 13%. Other candidates, including Chad Bianco and Katie Porter, trail behind, as per a report by CBS and BakersfieldNow.
But the biggest number is 26% — the share of voters who remain undecided. That’s higher than support for any single candidate, highlighting just how fluid the race is.
The Democratic field, in particular, is crowded, splitting votes among multiple candidates. This has raised concerns within the party that Republicans could potentially secure the top two spots heading into the general election.
At the same time, many voters say they’re still considering multiple candidates, suggesting that opinions are far from locked in.
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With 76% of voters saying debates matter at least somewhat, today’s event could play a crucial role in shaping the outcome.
Candidates will be expected to address the issues voters care most about — affordability, jobs, taxes, and public safety — while also navigating deeper political divides.
Personal qualities also matter. Voters say they’re looking for “values” and “judgment,” with Democrats placing extra importance on experience and Republicans emphasizing change, as per a report by CBS and BakersfieldNow.
National politics is also casting a long shadow. A majority of voters disapprove of Donald Trump’s job performance, and 56% say they want a candidate who opposes him. Republicans, meanwhile, prefer candidates who support him, reflecting a clear partisan divide.
Even foreign policy is influencing opinions. Around 67% oppose U.S. military action in Iran, and 73% say a candidate’s stance on the issue matters at least somewhat.
ALSO READ: Quote of the Day by Martin Luther King Jr.: 'Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only...'—Inspiring quotes by American civil rights activist and one of the greatest nonviolent leaders in world history
With so much uncertainty, tonight’s debate is expected to play a major role in shaping the race.
The event is a joint production by CBS Los Angeles, CBS Bay Area, and CBS Sacramento, in collaboration with the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs Association. It will take place at Pomona College’s Bridges Auditorium in Claremont.
Viewers can watch the debate live on most CBS stations across California, making it widely accessible to voters statewide.
The poll reveals a mixed view of California’s direction. While 53% rate the state’s economy as bad, the same percentage approves of Governor Gavin Newsom’s performance, showing a complicated political landscape.
Democrats tend to view the state more positively and want policies similar to Newsom’s, while Republicans see things far more negatively and are calling for major changes.
Younger voters appear slightly more optimistic, but overall confidence in achieving the “California Dream” has weakened, especially compared to five years ago.
The final stretch begins
With the debate underway and so many voters still undecided, the California governor’s race is entering a decisive phase.
Candidates have a narrow window to connect with voters who are frustrated, divided, and still searching for answers.
In a race where no one has taken control, the next few weeks — starting with this debate — could determine who rises and who fades before the final vote.
What is the biggest issue for California voters right now?
The rising cost of living, with many calling it “unmanageable.”
Is there a clear frontrunner in the race?
No, the race remains open with a large number of undecided voters.
The latest CBS News/YouGov poll paints a picture of a deeply divided electorate, where concerns over affordability, the economy, and national politics are colliding. Candidates now face a high-stakes moment to win over voters still making up their minds. With debates seen as influential, this could be the turning point many campaigns have been waiting for.
ALSO READ: Quote of the Day by Confucius: 'The man who asks a question is a fool for...'—Inspiring quotes by the ancient Chinese philosopher renowned for aphorisms
What are voters really worried about right now?
If there’s one issue uniting California voters across party lines, it’s affordability. According to the poll, 70% say the cost of living is “unmanageable” in their area — a sharp reflection of economic pressure in the state.
Beyond that, the economy and jobs rank at the very top, with 84% calling it a key issue, followed closely by inflation at 75%. Gas prices are also weighing heavily, with more than half saying they’re difficult to manage financially.
Voters are split on how to fix these problems. Many Democrats favor building more housing, while Republicans lean toward lowering taxes as the primary solution. Even on gas tax policies, opinions remain divided, showing just how complex the economic debate has become.
ALSO READ: Roman proverb of the Day: 'When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be...'—The powerful morning reflection that reminds you life itself is a gift
Why is this race still so unpredictable?
Despite several high-profile candidates, no one has pulled ahead in a decisive way. The poll shows Republican Steve Hilton at 16%, Democrat Tom Steyer at 15%, and Xavier Becerra at 13%. Other candidates, including Chad Bianco and Katie Porter, trail behind, as per a report by CBS and BakersfieldNow.
But the biggest number is 26% — the share of voters who remain undecided. That’s higher than support for any single candidate, highlighting just how fluid the race is.
The Democratic field, in particular, is crowded, splitting votes among multiple candidates. This has raised concerns within the party that Republicans could potentially secure the top two spots heading into the general election.
At the same time, many voters say they’re still considering multiple candidates, suggesting that opinions are far from locked in.
ALSO READ: Greenlandic proverb of the Day: 'When you've come so far that you can't take another step...'—The Greenlandic Proverb that redefines human endurance
How much could the debate change everything?
With 76% of voters saying debates matter at least somewhat, today’s event could play a crucial role in shaping the outcome.
Candidates will be expected to address the issues voters care most about — affordability, jobs, taxes, and public safety — while also navigating deeper political divides.
Personal qualities also matter. Voters say they’re looking for “values” and “judgment,” with Democrats placing extra importance on experience and Republicans emphasizing change, as per a report by CBS and BakersfieldNow.
National politics is also casting a long shadow. A majority of voters disapprove of Donald Trump’s job performance, and 56% say they want a candidate who opposes him. Republicans, meanwhile, prefer candidates who support him, reflecting a clear partisan divide.
Even foreign policy is influencing opinions. Around 67% oppose U.S. military action in Iran, and 73% say a candidate’s stance on the issue matters at least somewhat.
ALSO READ: Quote of the Day by Martin Luther King Jr.: 'Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only...'—Inspiring quotes by American civil rights activist and one of the greatest nonviolent leaders in world history
How and where can you watch the debate?
With so much uncertainty, tonight’s debate is expected to play a major role in shaping the race.The event is a joint production by CBS Los Angeles, CBS Bay Area, and CBS Sacramento, in collaboration with the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs Association. It will take place at Pomona College’s Bridges Auditorium in Claremont.
Viewers can watch the debate live on most CBS stations across California, making it widely accessible to voters statewide.
A divided outlook on California’s future
The poll reveals a mixed view of California’s direction. While 53% rate the state’s economy as bad, the same percentage approves of Governor Gavin Newsom’s performance, showing a complicated political landscape.
Democrats tend to view the state more positively and want policies similar to Newsom’s, while Republicans see things far more negatively and are calling for major changes.
Younger voters appear slightly more optimistic, but overall confidence in achieving the “California Dream” has weakened, especially compared to five years ago.
The final stretch begins
With the debate underway and so many voters still undecided, the California governor’s race is entering a decisive phase.
Candidates have a narrow window to connect with voters who are frustrated, divided, and still searching for answers.
In a race where no one has taken control, the next few weeks — starting with this debate — could determine who rises and who fades before the final vote.
FAQs
What is the biggest issue for California voters right now?
The rising cost of living, with many calling it “unmanageable.”
Is there a clear frontrunner in the race?
No, the race remains open with a large number of undecided voters.
