With the California election just days away, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra is keeping up momentum on the campaign trail, placing the state’s severe housing crisis at the center of his platform.
Becerra argues that California’s decades-long failure to build adequate housing has hit working-class families the hardest, driving up rents to exorbitant levels while fueling overcrowding and displacement.
“The California Dream of owning a home, building wealth, staying in the community you love, isn’t just slipping away. For too many, it’s already gone,” Becerra said.
Drawing on his father’s struggles to achieve homeownership, Becerra reiterated that the crisis stems directly from a chronic supply shortage, which has pushed property prices out of reach for everyday residents.
Key Proposals
To address the shortage, Becerra committed to funding the construction of at least 40,000 affordable housing units. According to the candidate, these projects are already approved and simply waiting for funds to appear.
Becerra also plans to drastically streamline permitting processes and establish strict turnaround timelines to accelerate project development.
For home buyers and renters, the plan proposes expanding state financial assistance programs to help working families and veterans cover upfront housing costs. Additionally, his platform proposes restricting institutional investors from making mass purchases of single-family residential homes.
Becerra also plans to declare a statewide housing state of emergency, a move intended to give public agencies prioritized oversight and authority to execute housing solutions. The declaration would expand fast-track approvals for housing developments located near transit hubs and employment centers.
“What I cannot control, I will work around. What I can change, I will, from the first day I take office to the last. Every swing of every hammer will carry that message. As Governor, I will reopen the door that has been slammed shut on families like mine, families who do essential work, contribute to our communities, and deserve the chance to build something here. That is the California I am running to build,” Becerra said.
