I Have Some Questions for the Democrats Who Want to Run California

In this pivotal forum hosted by Ezra Klein, five top Democratic candidates for California governor—Tom Steyer, Javier Becerra, Katie Porter, Matt Mahan, and Antonio Villarregosa—engage in a deep, urgent conversation about California's worsening housing crisis. The discussion centers on the stark disconnect between ambitious policy goals and the reality of stagnant housing production, despite years of pro-housing legislation. Candidates debate the root causes of high construction costs, including labor standards, regulatory delays, and local resistance, while proposing bold solutions like modular housing, streamlined permitting, fee caps, and state-funded incentives. A recurring theme is the tension between local control and state accountability, with some advocating for stronger enforcement tools like builder’s remedy and others emphasizing carrots over sticks. The conversation also turns to homelessness, with candidates pushing for prevention-focused strategies, direct cash assistance, and innovative interim housing models that prioritize dignity and speed. The episode underscores a broader Democratic dilemma: how to deliver tangible results in a complex, fragmented system while maintaining progressive values. The candidates’ diverse approaches reveal a spectrum—from technocratic reform to bold political will—highlighting the need for both innovation and leadership to solve a crisis that defines California’s future.