A new ballot measure set to appear on the November 2026 ballot for California voters would allow cities, counties, districts, and the state to establish public campaign financing systems designed to amplify small-dollar donors and limit the influence of wealthy special interests.
The California Clean Money Action Fund, California Common Cause, and the League of Women Voters of California launched the campaign and will serve as chairs of the new ballot measure committee, Californians for Fair Elections.
If approved, the California Fair Elections Act would repeal the statewide ban on public financing and give local communities the option to implement systems that strengthen accountability, enforce spending limits, and protect taxpayer funds. Participation would remain voluntary, and programs would include strict criteria for candidates to qualify for public funding. Public funds could not be used for legal defense fees or fines.
Supporters argue the reform is needed because California campaigns are dominated by big money. Since 2020, more than $1 billion has been spent on state-level campaigns, and polling shows 81% of California voters believe large donors exert too much influence over elected officials. Five charter cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and Long Beach, already run public financing programs that give everyday candidates a chance to compete. The measure would expand those opportunities statewide.
“The California Fair Elections Act is about restoring trust, strengthening accountability, and making sure everyday Californians have a real say in who represents them,” said Trent Lange, California Clean Money Action Fund’s executive director.
Common Cause California Executive Director Darius Kemp added, “This measure opens the door for teachers, nurses, small business owners, and community leaders to run competitive campaigns and win.”
Legislative supporters highlighted the potential for broader representation.
“The California Fair Elections Act puts power back in the hands of the people,” said Sen. Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana), author of SB 42, which placed the measure on the ballot.
Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San Jose) said, “Public financing is the reform we need to bring power back to the people and level the playing field for grassroots candidates.”
The measure is backed by a coalition of state, local, and national organizations, including the ACLU, AFSCME, Asian Law Caucus, California Environmental Voters, California Nurses Association, California Labor Federation, and others.
____________
Bo Tefu contributed to this report.
