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Governor
The governor is the top elected official in California state government and has vast powers, including the power to sign and veto legislation; prepare a state budget; issue executive orders and declare states of emergency; appoint state judges; fill vacancies to statewide offices that become vacant; and grant clemency, such as a pardon, to people convicted of crimes.
Top candidate wins seat.
100% of votes countedAssociated PressThis percentage is an Associated Press estimate of how much of the vote in an election has been counted. It is informed by turnout in recent elections, details on votes cast in advance and – after polls close – early returns. The estimate may fluctuate as election officials report additional results and AP learns more about how many voters have cast a ballot.
Candidates
Senator/Farmer
REPUBLICAN
Governor of California
DEMOCRAT
Top Priorities
Dahle wants to:
- Enhance public safety by getting violent- and repeat-offenders off the streets.
- Improve infrastructure, including more water storage and a more efficient power grid.
- Give parents more choice in where their kids go to school, with state funding to private schools if parents want that.
Positions on Key IssuesCandidate summaries are based on interviews with the candidates, statements made at debates and public events and past news coverage.Candidate summaries are based on interviews with the candidates, statements made at debates and public events and past news coverage.
Economy
What policies do you support to boost California’s economy?
Dahle says California’s income taxes are driving corporations and wealthy individuals out of the state. He will not support any additional taxes on high income earners. And he supports reducing government bureaucracy and mandates that impede businesses and job growth.
Newsom supported raising the minimum wage, expanding sick leave, paid family leave and expanded child care subsidies, all of which he calls “The California Way.” He says the state’s record of job creation is proof that prioritizing worker and family benefits is good for business and promotes equity.
Abortion
Where do you stand on abortion rights and related health care funding?
Dahle says he is “totally pro-life” and does not want taxpayer money used “to take life,” i.e. to pay for abortions. He supports state funding for sex education and contraception.
Newsom expressed unequivocal support for women’s access to abortion and reproductive health services. He supports use of state money to expand access to abortion for women in California and for those in states where the procedure is banned.
Public Safety
Where do you stand on criminal justice reforms and how would you improve public safety?
Dahle would seek to roll back provisions of Proposition 47, but would keep reduced penalties for drug possession. He wants to fully fund public safety agencies, including the courts and state prisons, and prioritize taking away guns from felons who should not have them. Dahle says we need more accountability for criminals and protection for the law-abiding.
Newsom supports efforts to reduce incarceration, including Proposition 47, which reduced drug and non-violent crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. Newsom has signed more than a dozen bills aimed at reducing gun violence and holding firearm manufacturers accountable for harm caused by their products. In 2019, he issued a moratorium on executions.
Homelessness
What will you do to combat the state’s housing and homelessness crises?
Dahle wants to reduce state mandates and bureaucracy that unnecessarily drive up the cost of housing and delay construction projects. He believes drug addiction is directly related to homelessness and wants to fund sober-living facilities while also going after drug dealers.
Newsom included billions of dollars in his state budgets to build more affordable housing. During the pandemic, he started the Roomkey and Homekey projects to turn existing buildings into housing for people living on the streets. Newsom enacted his CARE Court plan to mandate mental health treatment under certain circumstances.
COVID-19
What actions did you take in response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Dahle is unvaccinated and says the decision should be between people and their doctor, but he says his children are vaccinated. He says Newsom has abused his power from the pandemic state of emergency — which is still in effect. Dahle has authored legislation to review such declarations every 45 days in order to renew or end them.
Newsom promoted vaccinations for children and adults and publicly received a vaccine and booster shot. He declared a state of emergency in the first weeks of the pandemic to expedite state contracts for testing and masks, and issued orders to shut down businesses and schools.
Key SupportersThis list represents notable organizations and officials who have taken a position on the ballot measure, or who are funding the campaigns in support or in opposition. This list is not exhaustive, and may be updated.This list represents notable organizations and officials who have taken a position on the ballot measure, or who are funding the campaigns in support or in opposition. This list is not exhaustive, and may be updated.
For Brian Dahle:
- James Gallagher, state Assembly Republican leader
- California Republican Party
- California Congress of Republicans
- California Farm Bureau Federation
FundraisingCampaign finance data comes from the California Secretary of State’s office and our partners at Voter’s Edge.Campaign finance data comes from the California Secretary of State’s office and our partners at Voter’s Edge.
Source: California Secretary of State
Brian Dahle
$2.3mGavin Newsom
$16.6mMore Key Statewide Races
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