California Candidates Link Climate Solutions To Affordability

At a Jan. 28, 2026 climate forum in Pasadena, California Environmental Voters cited a poll showing roughly two-thirds of likely voters favor more clean-energy investment, lower EV costs and having large polluters help offset climate-driven home insurance increases. Leading gubernatorial contenders offered varied responses: Xavier Becerra backed solar/wind investment, rate freezes and wealth taxes; Steve Hilton opposed EV mandates and denser housing; Katie Porter urged making EVs cost-competitive and insurance reform.