Katie Porter, a Democrat vying for the governorship of California, unveiled a new campaign advertisement on Tuesday evening.
The ad, which was shared on Porter's X, features several voters lamenting their quality of life in the Golden State, yet conspicuously omits any mention of the nearly 15-year Democratic governance. Since 2011, when Democrat Governor Jerry Brown established a trifecta majority, the party has maintained control over the governorship, Senate, and Assembly.
According to Conservative Daily News, the ad, which runs for less than two minutes, showcases three individuals sharing their financial struggles with Porter. One voter, Pedro, expressed, Groceries and utilities, really. Half my paycheck would just go towards that. Our electric bill or just one trip to the supermarket. Another voter, Carol, highlighted the soaring rental costs, stating, Rent is so much higher.
California's reputation for exorbitant living costs is well-documented, with rents in major cities such as Los Angeles reaching their zenith in 2019. A study by RentCafe revealed that since 2010, the average rent in Los Angeles surged by 65%, reaching $2,527. This increase starkly contrasts with the national average rent hike of 36% over the same period.
Furthermore, a 2024 U.S. Census Bureau study found that Californians incur the highest weekly grocery expenses nationwide, with families with children experiencing a 40% rise, averaging $331 per week, or over $1,200 monthly. In contrast, states like Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska reported the lowest costs, averaging $228 weekly, which is $22 below the national average.
Carol further elaborated on her housing woes, stating, It is hard for me to pay rent because its like two bedroom, one bath, $2,800. And it go up every year. Joel, another voter, added, You dont really hear about the Inland Empire at all. No, not everyone here drives a Tesla and not everyone here is rich. Like we struggle. And this is like one of the most affordable areas to live. Whats sad is that like I had a great paying job, right? With good benefits. And I still struggle to make ends meet and my rent is still my largest expense.
Beyond the high cost of living, California grapples with a persistent homelessness crisis, despite investing millions in programs and housing initiatives. The state reached a new high in homelessness in 2024.
Crime remains a pressing issue in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, prompting voters to endorse Proposition 36, a measure targeting retail theft and drug use. However, Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom has yet to allocate sufficient funding to fully implement the program.
Porter, who announced her gubernatorial campaign in March, is focusing on affordable housing, countering President Donald Trump, reducing costs, and revitalizing California's business landscape. These priorities align with those of other candidates and have been central to the Newsom administration's agenda over the past two terms.
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