Democrat California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter released a new campaign ad Tuesday evening showing multiple voters bemoan their quality of life while ignoring California’s almost 15 year Democrat rule.
Democrat California Gov. Jerry Brown ushered in his party’s trifecta majority in 2011, with Democrats controlling the governorship, Senate and Assembly. In the ad released on Porter’s X, the less-than-two-minute clip shows three voters discussing their struggles living in California, as Porter asks what expenses are hardest to afford.
“Groceries and utilities, really. Half my paycheck would just go towards that. Our electric bill or just one trip to the supermarket,” a voter, whose name is Pedro, stated to Porter.
“Rent is so much higher,” a second voter, whose name is Carol, stated.
While California has long been known for its high prices, rents in major cities like Los Angeles peaked in 2019. According to a study from listing service RentCafe, the average Los Angeles rent increased 65% since 2010, jumping to an average of $2,527. At the time of the study, California’s rent increase was significantly higher than the national average of 36% over the same period.
WATCH:
Another study from the U.S. Census Bureau in 2024 found that Californians pay more for groceries per week than any other state. Families with children saw a 40% cost increase, averaging about $331 per week or more than $1,200 monthly.
In comparison, the states with the lowest costs were Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska, averaging about $228 per week, $22 less than the national average.
“It is hard for me to pay rent because it’s like two bedroom, one bath, $2,800. And it go up every year,” Carol continued.
“You don’t 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. What’s sad is that like I had a great paying job, right? With good benefits,” a third voter, Joel, stated. “And I still struggle to make ends meet and my rent is still my largest expense.”
In addition to high prices, California has struggled for years with a homelessness crisis, spending millions on programs and housing but finding little success as the state recorded a new high in 2024. Crime is also a major concern in major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, with voters approving of Proposition 36, a measure aimed at cracking down on retail theft and drug use. Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom has not committed enough funding to make the program operational.
Porter launched her campaign for governor in March, campaigning on affordable housing, “defense” against President Donald Trump, lowering prices and bringing businesses back to California. Most of Porter’s focus areas are shared among the candidates and have been Newsom administration priorities for two terms.
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org
