California Candidates Differ on Insurance, Rail Funding and Voter Rules

In questionnaire responses ahead of California’s November election, congressional candidates addressed affordability, housing and public services: Young Kim emphasized tax relief and curbing congressional self-dealing, while Ted Lieu and Pete Aguilar blamed high costs on Republican policies and proposed reversing cuts to health and food assistance, tariffs and other measures. Housing proposals ranged from more construction and fewer regulatory barriers to eliminating property taxes; Tim Shaw called for regional cooperation to address housing and homelessness, while other candidates emphasized voting rights, opposition to Trump administration actions, public education and removing building fees. Insurance commissioner candidates Jane Kim and Ben Allen criticized insurer practices, with Allen also backing predictable rate reviews, wildfire-risk reduction, transparency and accountability. Treasurer candidates Eleni Kounalakis supported continuing high-speed rail while seeking lower costs and faster delivery, while Jennifer Hawks opposed further state funding; both called for accountable distribution of state funds. Attorney general candidate Michael Gates said challenges to federal immigration actions should depend on legality, controller candidate Herb Morgan called for stronger safeguards against waste and fraud, and Secretary of State Shirley Weber rejected claims of widespread voter fraud and opposed Proposition 39 while Don Wagner proposed voter-roll cleanup, faster counts and ballot chain-of-custody rules. Los Angeles County judicial candidates, including David Ross, Anthony A.J. Bayne and Maria Ghobadi, cited courtroom experience and the need to guard against bias; City Attorney candidate John McKinney supported prosecution for dangerous or repeat offenses and diversion when appropriate, while Sheriff Robert Luna cited transparency and oversight measures including restored Inspector General access, a new Office of Constitutional Policing and expanded jail body-camera use.