Health care in California is at a crossroads, and the next governor will face monumental challenges. Millions of Californians struggle daily to afford medications, access mental health services, and care for both their children and aging parents. But who among the candidates vying for the state's top job has the vision and plan to tackle these pressing issues? And more importantly, can they bridge the growing disparities in health outcomes across the state?
In a recent forum titled Health Matters: A Conversation With Our Next Governor, held at UC Riverside on November 7, 2025, four Democratic candidates laid out their strategies for addressing California’s health care crisis. The event, organized by philanthropic foundations including the California Wellness Foundation, spotlighted the Inland Empire—a region where residents face some of the starkest health disparities in the state. Richard Tate, president and CEO of the California Wellness Foundation, set the tone: “Too many Californians face barriers to health and wellness, and it’s time to address these head-on.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: While all candidates agreed on the need for efficiency in the health care system and new revenue sources, their approaches diverged sharply—sparking debates that could shape the future of California’s health care landscape.
Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, positioned himself as the “health care governor,” a title also claimed by outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom. Becerra, 67, highlighted his experience negotiating lower drug prices under the Biden administration and his record of suing the Trump administration 123 times as California’s Attorney General. “We will not take a knee to what Donald Trump has done to health care,” he declared. “We will not go backwards.” Becerra proposed reviewing the tax code to ensure billionaires pay their fair share, emphasizing preventive care over emergency room visits. “We need to provide for people at the front door, not in the emergency room,” he said. But is this enough to offset the estimated 3.4 million Californians set to lose Medicaid coverage due to federal cuts? And can he truly reform a system plagued by inefficiencies?
Tony Thurmond, California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, took a bolder stance by advocating for a state-run single-payer system—a proposal once floated by Newsom but abandoned due to its cost and complexity. Thurmond, 57, drew from personal experience, recounting his brother’s death from a rare liver disease due to lack of affordable health insurance. “We need a system where no one is left behind,” he argued. However, critics question the feasibility of such a system, which would require hundreds of billions of dollars and federal approval. Thurmond also proposed expanding employer mandates for health care and rewarding compliant businesses with tax credits. But is single-payer a realistic solution, or a political pipe dream?
Antonio Villaraigosa, former Mayor of Los Angeles, took a more pragmatic approach, prioritizing public safety, health care, and education in the state budget. At 72, Villaraigosa dismissed single-payer as “unrealistic” due to its upfront costs and the likelihood of federal rejection under the Trump administration. Instead, he called for innovative solutions and a more efficient health care system. “I’m not going to sell you snake oil,” he admitted. “It’s going to be tough, but I’m committed.” Notably, Villaraigosa resisted calls to raise taxes, instead focusing on “growing the pie.” But without new revenue, how can California address its health care gaps? And is his reluctance to tax the wealthy a missed opportunity?
Betty Yee, former State Controller, emphasized accountability and oversight. Yee, 68, criticized regulatory agencies for failing to enforce California’s mental health parity law, which mandates equal coverage for physical and mental health. “We need better oversight to ensure our health systems are serving all Californians,” she said. Yee also championed expanding anti-poverty programs like the earned income tax credit to support caregivers in the “sandwich generation.” Like Becerra and Thurmond, she supported raising taxes on the highest earners but insisted on first improving system efficiency. “We need to make the case that we’re using every dollar wisely,” she argued. But can stricter accountability alone fix systemic issues?
And this is the part most people miss: Frontrunners like former Congresswoman Katie Porter, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, and former Fox News Host Steve Hilton—all polling well in recent surveys—were absent from the forum and declined to comment on their health care priorities. What does their silence say about their commitment to addressing California’s health care crisis?
As the race heats up, one question lingers: Can any candidate truly deliver on their promises, or will California’s health care system remain a patchwork of inequities? The answers may lie in the boldness of their visions, the practicality of their plans, and their willingness to confront controversial solutions. What do you think? Are single-payer systems the future, or should California focus on incremental reforms? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could shape the future of health care in the Golden State.
