Climate change is a hot topic in California’s gubernatorial race. While national polls show that fewer liberal Democrats see global warming as a critical issue—a drop from 82% in 2020 to 65% in 2025—California stands out. In a 2025 survey by the Public Policy Institute of California, 80% of adults view climate change as a serious threat, with 46% calling it very serious. This concern is driving the discussions among candidates as they campaign.
At the forefront of the race are Democratic candidates, particularly billionaire Tom Steyer and former Attorney General Xavier Becerra. Their debates have focused on clean energy and ties to the fossil fuel industry. Steyer has taken a strong stance on fossil fuels, advocating for accountability and promising to make electric vehicles more affordable. He emphasizes the importance of sustainable energy, getting backing from environmental groups for his long-standing commitment to these issues.
Becerra’s position is more mixed. He wants to keep energy affordable for Californians while navigating federal funding challenges, even citing the state’s tax contribution compared to its returns. However, his acceptance of significant donations from Chevron has raised eyebrows, with fellow candidates questioning his commitment to climate change initiatives.
Another strong contender is Katie Porter, ranked highly by environmental advocates. She has a solid record in Congress for holding oil companies accountable and rejecting fossil fuel donations. Recently, she stated her support for transitioning toward electrification while keeping oil refineries open, presenting a moderate yet practical approach.
Moreover, Antonio Villaraigosa, a former mayor, currently promotes an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, defending traditional fossil fuels while calling for a reevaluation of California’s stringent climate policies. His acceptance of substantial contributions from oil companies adds complexity to his stance.
Tony Thurmond, the current state superintendent, also signed a fossil fuel pledge, advocating for cleaner technology while retaining existing refineries. On the other hand, San Jose’s Mayor Matt Mahan presents himself as a moderate, leaning toward suspending gas taxes without committing firmly to clean energy pledges.
On the Republican side, candidates like Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco advocate for reduced environmental regulations, blaming high gas prices on California’s climate policies. They both express openness to oil industry support, marking a clear contrast to their Democratic counterparts.
Amid these varied positions, recent data shows a significant trend. A 2023 study by the Pew Research Center revealed that nearly 72% of Californians believe stricter regulations on fossil fuel emissions are crucial. As the governor’s race heats up, it will be interesting to see how candidates adjust their focus given this public sentiment.
The ongoing debates reveal a clear divide: candidates like Steyer and Porter, who prioritize aggressive climate action without industry influence, versus those like Hilton and Bianco, who openly support fossil fuel interests. The remaining candidates fall somewhere in between, illustrating a complex conversation about environmental policy in a state facing mounting climate challenges.
As the election draws closer, it’s evident that Californians care deeply about climate change. How these candidates align their policies with public concern may be pivotal in the upcoming vote.
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California,Climate Change,Environment,governor’s race,Politics
