New Poll Finds Californians Deeply Connected to Their Communities But Anxious About Healthcare and Affordability
October 23, 2025
Survey of 2,000 voters underscores growing concerns about California’s future ahead of the 2026 governor’s race and Health Matters gubernatorial forum on November 7th
LOS ANGELES, CA – A new statewide poll of 2,000 likely voters, commissioned to inform an upcoming gubernatorial forum on health, finds that Californians are increasingly anxious about the cost of living, especially the cost of health care.
Majorities say they love their state and feel connected to their communities, but many worry they can’t afford to build a good life here. The survey shows that voters want their next governor to focus on health care affordability, housing, and the everyday costs that make it harder for families to live and thrive in California.
“Californians believe in the promise of our state, but far too many are struggling to meet the basic needs of a healthy life,” said Richard Tate, President and CEO of The California Wellness Foundation.
“What voters want from the next governor is clear: affordable housing, health care that doesn’t break the bank, mental health support they can count on, and the ability to care for their loved ones with dignity and peace of mind.”
The poll was commissioned by The California Wellness Foundation to inform and shape the upcoming Health Matters gubernatorial forum on November 7th and was conducted by EVITARUS. The California Wellness Foundation is one of 11 foundations organizing the upcoming Health Matters Forum. Healthcare Concerns & Priorities Health care affordability remains a key concern statewide. Nearly 80% of voters are worried about the cost of care, and 72% believe capping out-of-pocket expenses should be a top priority for the next governor. Nearly 70% also view expanding access to affordable mental health care as extremely or very important. When it comes to caring for aging family members or friends, 66% of voters express concern about being able to do so.
Community and Affordability Beyond health care, voters worry about whether they can continue building strong communities and a good life in California amid rising costs. 70% agree that Californians step up for one another in times of crisis, reflecting a strong sense of community. Almost two-thirds (61%) feel respected and included in their communities, showing that shared values and belonging continue to endure.
Despite this sense of belonging, 72% of voters say they love California but fear they may not be able to afford to stay long-term. Nearly half (44%) say they’ve had to move or downsize in the past five years just to make ends meet. Young adults are especially anxious about the future, with 83% of 18- to 24-year-olds worried about finding or keeping a stable, good-paying job.
Immigration Enforcement
The survey also reveals the wide ripple effects of increased federal immigration enforcement. More than half of Californians (57%) are concerned about stepped-up enforcement, and nearly 40% know someone whose mental health has suffered as a result.
60% of Latino voters in Los Angeles report knowing someone experiencing financial hardship linked to immigration actions, and 69% of voters statewide want the next governor to protect affected families and stand up to federal policies that harm communities.
Inland Empire
The survey oversampled voters in the Inland Empire where the Health Matters gubernatorial forum will be hosted. Voters in this region shared many of the same concerns and reflected statewide trends. In addition to healthcare affordability, 89% of voters identified mental health access as a…
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