California Voters Say “Enough With the Drama, Give Us Results”

The new year began with a bold claim: California’s next election would split people into “builders” and “blockers, ” not just red versus blue. Builders want practical solutions for housing, jobs, water, energy, safety and accountability. Blockers prefer to keep the status quo and let political theater decide everything. A statewide survey by FM3 Research shows that about two‑to‑one of likely voters in 2026 favor candidates who focus on state problems over those who only fight Trump. The same pattern holds for independents, moderates, Latinos and small‑business households, all about 68–69% preferring the “California‑results” candidate. Trump remains unpopular, with 64% giving him a negative rating, but voters are tired of letting the capital use his name to avoid tough decisions. The survey explains why the builder‑vs‑blocker idea matters. A builder sees housing, energy, water and jobs as one connected system. A blocker treats California’s dysfunction as acceptable if it means keeping ideology or bureaucracy intact. Voters have had enough of paying for that dysfunction. Affordability has become the state’s shared belief. Inflation and rising living costs top the list, with 83% saying they’re extremely important. Food, gas and essentials follow closely. Nearly the same percentage worry about water security (81%) and safe, affordable energy (75%). Despite high progressive taxes, 76% want lower taxes for working and middle‑class families.These concerns are not separate. Housing shortages affect commuting, which in turn raises gas bills. Energy prices hurt households and small businesses. Water scarcity pushes up food costs and creates regional anxiety. High taxes, fees and unpredictable revenue make people feel Sacramento is playing a slot machine instead of budgeting. Homelessness, the result of housing scarcity combined with addiction and mental illness, reflects a lack of accountability. California already has the nation’s highest share of homeowners spending more than half their income on housing (14%) and a high share of renters doing the same (28%). The crisis is not just about homes; it threatens family formation, workforce stability and the state’s legitimacy. The poll also shows voters favor leaders who can build a strong economy and attract jobs over expanding the social safety net, with 55% to 37%. They prefer working with major employers rather than fighting corporate greed (53% to 41%). Accountability is a pocketbook issue: 80% say increasing transparency and cutting waste are extremely important, just behind inflation. In short, Californians want leaders who make values livable—through built homes, lower bills, reliable water and power, open businesses and families staying in the state. Political theater alone will not fill their wallets.