California’s crucial election year

It looks like 2026 will be a watershed year in California politics.

There is an open seat for governor, which has drawn a large field of candidates.

In a twist of fate, the fact that there are so many big-name Democrats in the running means that it is possible two Republicans could squeak into the general election.

That means voters have viable alternatives — not just on Nov. 3, but in the June 2 primary.

Other offices are also wide open, including insurance commissioner and school superintendent. 

These races feature interesting candidates — and colorful characters.

There will also be several controversial ballot initiatives.

Two are particularly important.

One is the so-called “billionaire tax,” which is really a seizure of wealth that will try to force the state’s wealthiest residents to part with 5% of what they own.

Many of California’s billionaires have already moved away, taking their wealth with them — as well as the ordinary income taxes they pay, and on which the state relies.

The billionaire tax has already been a fiscal disaster. It may also be unconstitutional, under the Takings Claus of the Fifth Amendment.

Regardless, the billionaire tax appears to be gaining popularity.

When it first was proposed, some polls suggested it had low support.

But a new poll by UC Berkeley’s Institute of Government Studies (IGS) suggests that a majority of voters support it, and that it leads by a nearly 20-point margin.

The other major ballot initiative is on Voter ID.

Polls suggest that voters from both parties, and every racial and ethnic background, support the idea of showing ID at the polls, in theory.

But Democratic Party leaders have long opposed it, claiming — falsely — that voter ID suppresses minority voters.

The Berkeley IGS poll showed California voters divided over the issue, with 44% supporting voter ID and 45% opposing it.

Latino voters supported it narrowly, 44% to 41% — with Spanish-speaking voters supporting it even more strongly, and immigrants more strongly than native-born voters.

If California voters decide to back voter ID, they will show the rest of the country that even blue states support logical rules in voting.

But if voter ID fails, then Democrats will continue to block it — here, and in other states where they govern.

It is possible that California voters will make the common-sense choices to reject the billionaire tax, and to pass voter ID.

After all, California voters have defied left-wing orthodoxy before.

But it is also possible that the electorate will pass the billionaire tax and also reject voter ID.

California would then become even more extreme in its politics. Many more entrepreneurs would head for the exits.

There is so much at stake in this year’s elections. 

Voters cannot wait until November to become informed and involved. Key proposals are being made now, and key choices will be made in the June primary.

Now is the time to engage in the political process, to follow the news, and to challenge the candidates to defend their policies.

We may not have this chance again. Our future is wide open. We can turn California around. 

Future generations will not forgive us for apathy.

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