Following the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history and a contentious special election, a stark new outlook has settled over the West Coast. According to the latest survey from the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), voters are grappling with record-high pessimism regarding the nation’s trajectory, even as they largely stick by their state leadership.
While California voters decisively passed Proposition 50—a direct countermeasure to redistricting in Texas—the mood of the electorate is anything but celebratory.
The survey, conducted in mid-November following the federal shutdown that grounded flights and halted food assistance, reveals a populace deeply anxious about their financial future and disillusioned with Washington.
A Vote of No Confidence in D.C.
Federal approval ratings have cratered in the Golden State. President Donald Trump’s approval rating sits at just 25 percent among all adults and 29 percent among likely voters. The legislative branch fares even worse, with the U.S. Congress garnering approval from only 18 percent of adults.
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The dissatisfaction extends to specific federal agencies, particularly regarding immigration.
The survey highlights a massive racial divide in how federal enforcement is viewed. Disapproval of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is overwhelming among minority communities: 83 percent of Latinos, 81 percent of African Americans, and 78 percent of Asian Americans disapprove of the job the agency is doing. By contrast, disapproval among white Californians is significantly lower at 59 percent.
The Wallet War: Housing and Inflation
While political machinations in Washington grab headlines, the primary driver of voter anxiety remains the cost of living. The economic outlook is grim: 75 percent of adults expect the U.S. to face “bad times” financially over the next 12 months.
Housing affordability remains the flashpoint of this economic stress, creating a distinct financial cleavage along racial lines. When asked if housing costs place a financial strain on their families:
- 58 percent of African Americans report feeling the strain.
- 56 percent of Latinos report feeling the strain.
- 39 percent of Asian Americans report feeling the strain.
- 33 percent of whites report feeling the strain.
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Renters are feeling the squeeze significantly more than homeowners, with 68 percent of renters reporting financial strain compared to just 32 percent of those who own their homes.
Looking to 2026: The Statehouse Landscape
Despite the gloomy national outlook, Governor Gavin Newsom maintains a sturdy approval rating of 54 percent among adults and 56 percent among likely voters.
Looking ahead to the June 2026 primaries, the field is beginning to take shape. In the race for governor, Democrat Katie Porter has established an early lead, polling at roughly 20 percent among likely voters. She is followed by Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Beccera, who are tied at 14 percent.
Voters are split on what they want from their next leader. While Democratic voters lean toward candidates with “experience and a proven record” (54%), Republicans and independents are signaling a desire for “new ideas and a different approach.”
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Democracy on Edge
Perhaps the most alarming finding is the erosion of faith in democratic institutions. Satisfaction with the way democracy is working in the U.S. has hit record lows, with roughly seven in ten Californians saying they are not satisfied.
This dissatisfaction is coupled with a rising fear of instability. A solid majority—six in ten adults—predict an increase in political violence over the next few years. This fear is bipartisan, shared by majorities of Democrats and independents, and half of Republicans, suggesting that while Californians may disagree on policy, they share a common dread regarding the nation’s stability.
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