Voters Split on Next Governor as CBS Poll Reveals Wide-Open Race

If you’ve been scrolling through your neighborhood Facebook group in Los Angeles lately, you’ve probably seen the same post pop up in different flavors: “Anyone else feeling like the California Dream is slipping away?” The replies are a mix of frustration and resignation—rent hikes in Echo Park, the struggle to afford a home near the beach in Venice, and the quiet exodus of friends to Arizona or Texas. It’s not just chatter. A new CBS News poll released this week confirms what Angelenos have been feeling in their wallets and on their commutes: the governor’s race is wide open, and the cost of living is the elephant in every debate hall from Downtown to the San Fernando Valley.

Here’s the thing—this isn’t just a Sacramento problem. It’s a hyper-local one, too. The poll’s findings aren’t just shaping the primary. they’re shaping the conversations at your kid’s Little League game in Silver Lake, the line at the food truck on Abbot Kinney, and the small business owners in Koreatown who are deciding whether to renew their leases. And if you’re one of the many Angelenos who’s felt the squeeze, the next governor’s policies could mean the difference between staying in the city you love or joining the 1.2 million Californians who’ve left since 2020.

The Poll’s Big Takeaway: No One’s Winning—Yet

The CBS News poll paints a picture of a primary that’s as fractured as the 405 at rush hour. No single candidate has locked down more than a sliver of the vote, and a staggering number of voters—more than any single candidate’s support—are still undecided. That’s not just a statistic; it’s a reflection of the anxiety rippling through communities like yours. When asked what they desire in a governor, voters aren’t just looking for policy platforms. They’re looking for a lifeline.

Democrats, who tend to view the state’s economy more favorably than other voters, are overwhelmingly rallying around one non-negotiable: opposition to former President Donald Trump. But beyond that, they’re craving something familiar—experience. That’s a nod to the incumbent party’s grip on Sacramento, but it’s also a sign that voters aren’t in the mood for a wild card. Republicans, are painting a bleaker picture of the state’s future. Their top priority? Change. Not just any change, but the kind that might reverse the trends they see as eroding the California they once knew.

And then there’s the cost of living—a phrase that’s become as ubiquitous in LA as traffic jams and palm trees. More Californians than ever are calling it “unmanageable,” a sentiment that’s only grown since the pandemic. The poll doesn’t sugarcoat it: inflation, housing prices, and the sheer weight of daily expenses are pushing people to their breaking points. For Angelenos, this isn’t abstract. It’s the difference between eating out in Los Feliz and cooking at home in a cramped apartment. It’s the choice between a weekend trip to Joshua Tree and canceling plans because gas prices are through the roof. And for the city’s younger residents, it’s the reason so many are questioning whether they’ll ever own a home here.

Why LA Feels the Squeeze More Than Most

Los Angeles isn’t just another city in this race—it’s the epicenter of the crisis. The median home price in LA County hovers around $950,000, nearly double the national average. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in West Hollywood can easily top $3,000 a month. And while the tech boom has brought wealth to pockets of the city, it’s also widened the gap between the haves and have-nots. The CBS poll’s findings about economic optimism splitting along generational and partisan lines? In LA, that divide is visible on every block.

Take the San Gabriel Valley, for example. It’s a microcosm of the state’s economic contradictions. On one hand, you’ve got thriving Asian-owned businesses in Monterey Park and Alhambra, many of which have weathered the pandemic and inflation better than their counterparts in other parts of the city. On the other, you’ve got working-class families in El Monte and Baldwin Park who are one missed paycheck away from displacement. The poll’s data on younger voters being more optimistic? That tracks in places like Boyle Heights, where community organizers and small business owners are still betting on LA’s future, even as they struggle to keep up with rising costs.

And then there’s the homelessness crisis—a issue that’s impossible to ignore in LA. The poll doesn’t dive into it, but the cost of living is inextricably linked to the tents lining the sidewalks of Skid Row and the encampments under the 101 freeway. For voters here, the next governor’s approach to housing affordability isn’t just about policy; it’s about whether their city will remain livable.

What Angelenos Are Really Looking For

So, what do LA voters want from the next governor? The poll’s descriptors offer some clues, but the subtext is even more telling. “Values” and “judgment” aren’t just buzzwords—they’re shorthand for a leader who understands the unique challenges of a city where progressivism and pragmatism often collide. Democrats’ desire for “experience”? That’s code for someone who can navigate the labyrinth of Sacramento without getting lost in partisan gridlock. And Republicans’ hunger for “change”? That’s a direct response to the frustration of watching policies like rent control and housing regulations fail to keep up with the city’s skyrocketing costs.

But here’s the kicker: most voters say debates matter. That means the candidates’ performances in the coming weeks could swing the race in ways that polls can’t predict. For Angelenos, these debates aren’t just political theater. They’re a chance to hear how the candidates plan to tackle the issues that hit closest to home—like whether they’ll push for more affordable housing near transit hubs in places like North Hollywood or crack down on corporate landlords driving up rents in Culver City.

And let’s not forget the wild card: the fractured Democratic field. With no clear frontrunner, the race could come down to who can best articulate a vision for LA’s future. Will it be a candidate who doubles down on progressive policies like universal healthcare and tenant protections? Or someone who promises to streamline regulations to spur more housing development? The answer could shape the city’s trajectory for years to come.

How This Affects You—And What You Can Do About It

If you’re an Angeleno, this race isn’t just something to watch from the sidelines. It’s a chance to demand answers from the people who want to lead the state. Here’s how you can engage:

• Attend a local debate watch party. Organizations like the Los Angeles League of Women Voters often host events where you can hear candidates’ positions and ask questions. These are goldmines for understanding how their policies might impact your neighborhood.
• Talk to your neighbors. The poll shows that voters are still making up their minds. That means your voice matters. Start a conversation at your next block party or in your Nextdoor group about what you want to see in the next governor. You might be surprised by how much common ground you find.
• Follow local journalists covering the race. Outlets like the Los Angeles Times and LAist are digging into how the candidates’ plans would play out in LA. Their reporting can help you cut through the noise and focus on what really matters to your community.

Given My Background in Urban Policy, Here’s Who You Should Be Talking To

If this race has you thinking about how to protect your family’s future in LA, you’re not alone. The cost of living crisis isn’t just a political issue—it’s a personal one. And while the governor’s race will shape the big-picture solutions, there are local professionals who can help you navigate the challenges right now. Here are three types of experts you might want to connect with, depending on your situation:

Affordable Housing Attorneys

If you’re a renter, these specialists can help you understand your rights under California’s tenant protection laws. They can also advise you on how to negotiate with landlords or challenge unfair rent hikes. Appear for attorneys who:

• Have experience with LA’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), which covers many older buildings in the city.
• Are familiar with the eviction moratoriums and protections that have been in place since the pandemic.
• Offer sliding-scale fees or free consultations, especially if you’re facing financial hardship.

Local Economic Development Consultants

These professionals work with small businesses and nonprofits to navigate LA’s complex regulatory environment. If you’re a business owner struggling with rising costs or a nonprofit leader trying to stretch your budget, they can help you:

• Identify grants or low-interest loans available through the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department.
• Develop strategies to reduce overhead, like relocating to a more affordable neighborhood or renegotiating your lease.
• Understand how new state policies, like the minimum wage increase, will affect your operations.

Financial Planners Specializing in High-Cost Cities

If you’re feeling the pinch of LA’s high cost of living, a financial planner can help you create a budget that accounts for the city’s unique challenges. Look for someone who:

• Has experience working with clients in LA or other high-cost urban areas.
• Can help you prioritize your financial goals, whether that’s saving for a down payment, paying off debt, or planning for retirement.
• Offers virtual consultations, so you can get advice without adding another commute to your day.

These professionals aren’t just for the wealthy. Many offer services tailored to middle- and working-class Angelenos, and some even provide pro bono or low-cost assistance through local nonprofits. The key is to find someone who understands the specific challenges of living and working in LA.

The Bottom Line

The CBS News poll is more than just a snapshot of the governor’s race. It’s a reflection of the anxieties and aspirations of Angelenos like you. The cost of living isn’t just a talking point—it’s a daily reality that’s shaping where people live, how they work, and whether they can stay in the city they call home. And with the primary just weeks away, the candidates’ ability to address these concerns could determine not just who wins, but what kind of future LA will have.

So, as you watch the debates and read the headlines, ask yourself: Which candidate’s vision aligns with yours? And more importantly, what are you going to do about it? Because in a race this wide open, your voice could be the one that tips the scales.

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