Homelessness is a defining issue in the 2026 California gubernatorial race. A recent Public Policy Institute survey found 80% of Californians are concerned about the crisis. Consequently, major California governor candidates are presenting distinct plans to address it. Their proposals range from strict enforcement of encampment laws to massive expansions of affordable housing and mental health services. With the primary less than six months away, voters are evaluating these approaches. The candidates’ strategies reflect deep ideological divides on government’s role, funding, and compassion. This overview details where the leading contenders stand on solving California’s most visible problem.
The crisis intertwines with affordability, housing supply, and mental healthcare. Each candidate prioritizes different facets of this complex challenge. Some focus on immediate shelter and law enforcement, while others emphasize long-term prevention and housing construction. The field includes Democrats, Republicans, and a range of policy backgrounds. Their solutions will shape California’s approach for years to come. Below is an examination of the plans put forward by the major California governor candidates, based on interviews and campaign statements.
Steve Hilton: Enforcement and Treatment
Republican candidate Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host, emphasizes enforcement and treatment. His central pledge is to ensure laws against encampments are enforced. “I would make sure that any place in California that doesn’t enforce the law on encampments, I will use state law enforcement resources to do that,” Hilton stated in an October interview. He ties homelessness directly to mental health and substance abuse, advocating for increased treatment access. Through his policy organization, Golden Together, he has proposed specific ideas.
Hilton’s proposals include using congregate “recovery shelters” instead of individual apartments for some individuals. He also supports making it easier to involuntarily commit those with severe mental illness. Additionally, he calls for auditing nonprofits that receive homelessness funds and improving programs to reduce recidivism. His approach is framed as restoring order and willpower in public policy. Among California governor candidates, Hilton represents the most law-and-order oriented response to the crisis.
Katie Porter: Prevention and Data-Driven Investment
Democratic former Congresswoman Katie Porter focuses on prevention and interim solutions. She argues the state must stop the flow of people becoming newly homeless. “We will not solve this problem if more Californians are becoming newly homeless each day,” Porter said in a campaign statement. She criticizes an overemphasis on permanent supportive housing alone. Instead, she advocates for greater investment in interim housing and rapid rehousing programs.
Porter’s plan emphasizes “smart, data-driven investments.” She supports building more housing quickly to lower prices and innovating in design and materials. Her approach balances immediate shelter with long-term supply increases. As one of the leading California governor candidates, she positions herself as a pragmatic policy expert. Her strategy aims to address both the symptoms and root causes of homelessness through targeted, evidence-based spending.
Tom Steyer: Housing Construction and Mental Health
Billionaire entrepreneur and Democrat Tom Steyer places housing construction and mental health at the forefront. “The first thing I would do as governor is ensure more housing is built,” Steyer said in an interview. He identifies permitting, zoning, cost, and NIMBYism as key barriers. He proposes using the governor’s power to streamline development. Steyer also highlights the mental health trauma caused by homelessness itself, advocating for quick intervention to break the cycle.
For short-term relief, Steyer supports more emergency interim housing. He suggests using publicly controlled land and facilities for shelter and housing projects. His dual focus addresses both the immediate need for safety and the long-term need for stability. Among California governor candidates, Steyer leverages his business background to talk about efficiency and using state authority to overcome local obstacles to building.
Tony Thurmond: School-Led Housing and Targeted Taxes
Current State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond proposes unique education-centric solutions. The Democrat is sponsoring legislation to help school districts build affordable housing on surplus properties. His goal is 2 million units by 2030, benefiting staff and potentially homeless families. He also supports a $10 billion bond for affordable housing and tiny homes. Thurmond additionally proposes a fee on companies that hoard vacant properties.
Thurmond links funding to services, supporting programs that require treatment for those with mental health or substance abuse needs. He advocates taxing the wealthiest residents to pay for expanded healthcare. His approach as one of the California governor candidates is heavily focused on leveraging public assets (like school land) and generating new revenue streams specifically tied to housing production and support services.
Antonio Villaraigosa: Performance Benchmarks and Streamlining
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa stresses accountability. “California doesn’t have a homelessness funding problem. It has a results problem,” he stated, citing a state audit of $24 billion in spending with rising homelessness. The Democrat would implement strict performance benchmarks for all state homelessness dollars. He also supports incentivizing cities to cut red tape, potentially suspending environmental reviews for homeless housing projects.
Villaraigosa does not support criminalizing homelessness broadly but believes those who refuse shelter and services do not have a “right to be homeless.” He supports involuntary commitment for mentally ill individuals who are a danger. His platform appeals to voters frustrated with spending without visible results. As one of the California governor candidates, he offers a managerial, results-oriented approach informed by his experience running the state’s largest city.
Betty Yee: Clarifying Roles and Adaptive Reuse
Former State Controller Betty Yee prioritizes government efficiency and role clarification. Before seeking more funding, the Democrat would audit existing programs. “There’s been so much funding… but I don’t believe there’s ever been clear articulation about the roles and responsibilities of the state, of counties and of cities,” Yee said. She highlights prevention through rent stabilization and subsidies.
For housing stock, Yee promotes “adaptive reuse” of blighted buildings and community land trusts. On mental health and substance abuse, she supports increasing treatment access and acknowledges a potential need for involuntary measures for some. Her approach is systematic and fiduciary, reflecting her background as the state’s former chief financial officer. Among California governor candidates, she offers a detailed, governance-focused framework.
