A measure that could open the door to finance local political campaigns with taxpayer dollars has qualified for the 2026 ballot.
California bans public funds from financing local political campaigns, but that could soon change. Governor Gavin Newsom signed a 2026 ballot measure to allow cities and counties to finance local political campaigns with taxpayers’ dollars. If it passes it will repeal the ban.
San Jose Democratic Assembly member Alex Lee spoke in support of this proposal. “When you create public finance election systems, it mitigates the power of big special interest donors, the billionaire class.”
Supporters also note the proposal would not require local governments to publicly finance campaigns. It would give them the option to do so. At least 26 local governments have implemented some sort of public campaign financing across the country, including California pilot programs in Los Angeles and Berkeley.
