California Gubernatorial Candidates Face Scrutiny on Housing Crisis

Event summary

  • The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) is hosting a gubernatorial forum on March 5, 2026, in Sacramento.
  • Six leading candidates – Xavier Becerra, Steve Hilton, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Eric Swalwell, and Antonio Villaraigosa – will participate.
  • The forum focuses on proposed solutions to California's housing crisis and pathways to homeownership.
  • C.A.R. represents 190,000 real estate professionals in California.
  • The event is part of C.A.R.’s ‘Homeownership Matters’ campaign.

The big picture

California's housing crisis remains a central political issue, impacting affordability, economic growth, and social equity. The forum highlights the pressure on gubernatorial candidates to present viable solutions, given the state's persistent shortage of affordable housing and the challenges faced by first-time homebuyers. The C.A.R., as a powerful lobbying group representing a significant segment of the California economy, is strategically positioning itself to influence the outcome of the election and shape future housing policy.

What we're watching

Policy Shifts
Candidate proposals will likely reveal divergent approaches to zoning reform and density regulations, potentially impacting long-term housing supply and property values.
Lobbying Influence
The C.A.R.'s prominent role in hosting the forum underscores the organization's significant lobbying power and its ability to shape the housing policy debate.
Voter Sentiment
Public perception of the housing crisis will heavily influence candidate messaging and policy priorities, potentially leading to more radical or incremental solutions.