The Moment We’re In: What Californians Want From Their Next Governor
By this time next year, California will have a new governor—and voters across the state are demanding strong environmental leadership that protects communities and builds a sustainable, affordable economy for the long haul.
The 2026 California governor’s race will be the most impactful election across the country. As the fourth-largest economy in the world, California drives national and global action on solving climate change. Our next governor will shape clean energy progress, community safety, public health, and climate justice for decades across the world.
Californians are clear about what they want from the next California governor: bold leadership that accelerates clean energy, safeguards our water and public lands, holds corporate polluters accountable, and advances climate justice.
Top Environmental Priorities for California’s Next Governor
New statewide polling from the EnviroVoters Education Fund and David Binder Research shows overwhelming support for bold climate leadership. The majority of voters believe that California’s next governor must deliver affordable clean energy, reliable water, fair insurance, polluter accountability, and protection of public lands in the face of federal rollbacks.
Below are the most important environmental actions voters want from their next governor:
1. Affordable, Clean Energy Solutions
There’s strong support for clean energy investment with 68% of voters supporting increasing California’s investment in clean energy sources.
71% of Californians want to live in a state with affordable, clean energy, clean drinking water, and public green spaces.
Affordability matters in the clean transition and 65% believe the cost of electric vehicles should be reduced to make them more affordable for Californians.
2. Keeping Public Lands and Biodiversity Safe
74% say California must continue its global leadership in protecting biodiversity.
70% want California to lead on environmental protection AND affordability even without the federal government’s support.
3. Protecting Communities from Climate Disasters
There’s a demand for proactive climate solutions with 83% of voters prioritizing regulations and investments that protect communities from wildfires, flooding, drought, extreme heat, and air pollution.
4. Corporate Accountability
Voters strongly support corporate accountability with 66% saying billion-dollar corporations responsible for the climate crisis should offset climate-driven increases in home insurance costs.
5. Democracy: Reducing the Influence of Money in Politics
93% of Californians believe it’s important to reduce corporate influence on elected officials. Californians want a governor committed to strengthening transparency, accountability, and public trust to ensure our government works for people, not polluters.
Read the Full Poll Results
Explore the complete statewide findings from the EnviroVoters Education Fund and David Binder Research here:
