PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government
The latest PPIC statewide survey reveals that Proposition 50 holds majority support, while a record number of voters consider the upcoming election outcome highly significant. However, approval ratings for both the president and Congress remain low.
Most Californians express disapproval toward the federal budget bill, tariffs, and ICE operations. Economic issues dominate public concern, with three out of four residents anticipating difficult financial conditions over the next year.
Political and Legislative Context
Governor and legislative leaders have scheduled a statewide special election on November 4 to seek voter approval for temporary revisions to California’s congressional district maps. This comes as a response to partisan redistricting developments in Texas.
Federal Actions and Economic Climate
At the national level, executive decisions on immigration, tariffs, and spending continue to shape life in California. Uncertainty persists around broader U.S. economic conditions, including slowing job growth, reduced interest rates from the Federal Reserve, and the impact of a federal government shutdown.
State Policy Developments
The state legislature concluded its 2025 session by passing numerous bills, recently signed by the governor, covering areas such as energy, immigration, insurance, and artificial intelligence.
Economic Concerns
California’s economy shows troubling signs, including the highest unemployment rate in the nation, further fueling public anxiety about the near future.
“Economic issues top Californians’ list of worries for the state; three in four expect bad times financially in the next year.”
Authors: Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Lauren Mora, and Deja Thomas. Supported with funding from the Arjay R. Miller Foundation.
Author’s Summary: The survey captures Californians’ deep unease with national and state politics, economic uncertainty, and a growing urgency for policy solutions addressing local and federal challenges.