California Voters: Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association’s 2026 Voting Guide

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association’s 2026 Voting Guide for the California Statewide General Election provides recommendations on statewide ballot propositions, local tax measures and HJTA-PAC candidate endorsements for the November 3, 2026 General Election. Review HJTA’s recommendations below or download the printable 2026 Voting Guide.

2026 Voter Guide

• The last day to register to vote for the November 3, 2026 General Election is October 19, 2026.

• Ballot drop-off locations open October 6, 2026.

• Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before November 3, 2026.

HJTA’S QUICK VOTING GUIDE

YES on 39, 41, 42, 43, 45

NO on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 37, 38, 40, 44

BALLOT MEASURE RECOMMENDATIONS

NO on Prop. 1

Called the “Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026,” this is $11.25 billion in state general obligation bonds with only $1.25 billion allocated to benefit veterans. The rest will finance other housing assistance programs. Bonds are borrowed money, and HJTA states that the actual taxpayer cost is roughly double the advertised amount due to interest. HJTA recommends NO on 1.

NO on Prop. 2

This measure changes the Gann Limit and Budget Stabilization Account rules. HJTA says the proposal does not address what it views as the underlying weakening of the Gann Limit and falls short of spending reform. HJTA recommends NO on 2.

NO on Prop. 3

This measure renews and makes permanent income tax rates first approved in 2012 and renewed in 2016. HJTA opposes making those rates permanent and recommends NO on 3.

NO on Prop. 4

This measure would remove the Political Reform Act ban on using tax money to finance campaigns for elective office. HJTA opposes taxpayer-funded campaign expenses and recommends NO on 4.

NO on Prop. 5

This measure changes the process for recalling state officers, including eliminating the simultaneous election of a replacement candidate in some recalls. HJTA recommends NO on 5.

NO on Prop. 37

This measure authorizes $25 billion in bonds for a program that would offer second-mortgage loans for down payments on newly constructed or converted homes (not existing homes) to eligible buyers who earn less than 200% of the area median income. Although there is no direct cost to taxpayers, a market downturn could cause mass foreclosures if stretched borrowers are unable to make their payments or sell the home for what they owe. Investors bear the financial risks, but the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) must manage this massive pool of funds to protect the bondholders and pay them the interest they are owed. HJTA appreciates the intent of this measure, but we have concerns about the size of the program and the criteria for eligibility to participate. Prop. 37 is not a constitutional amendment, which leaves it subject to legislative alteration. More fundamentally, California’s housing crisis is better addressed with less government impediments to building rather than a new government program. We urge a No vote on 37.

NO on Prop. 38

Authorizes $8.4 billion in state general obligation bonds for research and therapies involving the immune system. HJTA argues the cost should not be borne by California taxpayers and recommends NO on 38.

YES on Prop. 39

The Voter ID initiative. HJTA says voter ID helps prevent voter impersonation and ensure mail ballots are submitted by eligible voters. HJTA recommends YES on 39.

NO on Prop. 40

Creates a one-time 5% tax on covered assets above $1 billion, with provisions allowing later legislative changes. HJTA opposes the new tax structure and recommends NO on 40.

YES on Prop. 41

YES on 41.

Requires pre-election audits of programs that would be funded by new statewide special taxes. HJTA recommends YES on 41.

YES on Prop. 42

Would prohibit certain new state taxes on ownership or control of personal property and certain retroactive taxes. HJTA recommends YES on 42.

YES on Prop. 43

The Local Taxpayer Protection Act to Save Proposition 13. HJTA says it restores the two-thirds vote requirement for local special taxes and closes the court-created “Upland” loophole. HJTA recommends YES on 43.

NO on Prop. 44

Requires qualifying community clinics to spend at least 90% of revenue on patient services and authorizes enforcement provisions. HJTA opposes the measure and recommends NO on 44.

YES on Prop. 45

Addresses aspects of CEQA for certain projects. HJTA says the measure is not a complete CEQA overhaul but views it as a first step and recommends YES on 45.

LOCAL BALLOT MEASURE RECOMMENDATIONS

City of Los Angeles — NO on Measure FD

A one-half percent sales tax increase with revenue earmarked for the fire department. HJTA opposes the measure.

City of Santa Monica — NO on Measure ES

A parcel tax of $495 per taxable parcel annually, adjusted for inflation, with revenue earmarked for schools. HJTA opposes the measure.

City of Palos Verdes Estates — NO on Measure PVE

This is a massive increase in a parcel tax that would otherwise expire next year. Instead of asking voters to approve the renewal of the existing parcel tax, the city is asking for a renewal with an increase of the base amount from $342 to $1,025, plus 20 cents per square foot. Voters in Palos Verdes Estates rejected a renewal of the existing parcel tax in June, but the city rushed another one to the November ballot.

Five-County Bay Area — NO on regional transit sales tax

A sales tax increase of at least one-half percent, and 1% in San Francisco, in San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties to fund transit. HJTA opposes the measure.

OFFICIAL HJTA-PAC CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS

Statewide General Election

Category First Name Last Name Office / District

Governor Steve Hilton Governor

State Controller Herb Morgan State Controller

Secretary of State Don Wagner Secretary of State

Attorney General Michael Gates Attorney General

Superintendent Sonja Shaw Superintendent

Treasurer Jennifer Hawks Treasurer

State Assembly Heather Hadwick Assembly District 1

State Assembly Joe Patterson Assembly District 5

State Assembly Josh Hoover Assembly District 7

State Assembly David Tangipa Assembly District 8

State Assembly Jabra Muhawieh Assembly District 21

State Assembly Carol Pefley Assembly District 28

State Assembly Shannon Kessler Assembly District 30

State Assembly David Couch Assembly District 32

State Assembly Alexandra Macedo Assembly District 33

State Assembly Charles Hughes Assembly District 34

State Assembly Saul Ayon Assembly District 35

State Assembly Jeff Gonzalez Assembly District 36

State Assembly Rickey Hayes Assembly District 40

State Assembly Ted Nordblum Assembly District 42

State Assembly Carolyn Daniels Assembly District 44

State Assembly Greg Abdouch Assembly District 45

State Assembly Tracey Schroeder Assembly District 46

State Assembly Greg Wallis Assembly District 47

State Assembly Alexandra Briseno Assembly District 54

State Assembly Leticia Castillo Assembly District 58

State Assembly Phillip Chen Assembly District 59

State Assembly Ed Delgado Assembly District 60

State Assembly Natasha Johnson Assembly District 63

State Assembly Tri Ta Assembly District 70

State Assembly Kate Sanchez Assembly District 71

State Assembly Gracey Van Der Mark Assembly District 72

State Assembly Laurie Davies Assembly District 74

State Assembly Carl DeMaio Assembly District 75

State Assembly Andrew Lawson Assembly District 79

State Senate Alexandra Duarte Senate District 4

State Senate Roger Niello Senate District 6

State Senate Linda Price Senate District 10

State Senate Nathan Magsig Senate District 12

State Senate Tony Rodriguez Senate District 20

State Senate Mike Netter Senate District 22

State Senate Joe Lisuzzo Senate District 28

State Senate Kelly Seyarto Senate District 32

State Senate Rhonda Shader Senate District 34

State Senate Tony Strickland Senate District 36

State Senate Laura Bassett Senate District 38

State Senate Kristie Bruce-Lane Senate District 40

U.S. Congress James Gallagher Congressional District 1

U.S. Congress Robb Tucker Congressional District 3

U.S. Congress Tom McClintock Congressional District 5

U.S. Congress Kevin Kiley Congressional District 6

U.S. Congress Jeff Frese Congressional District 10

U.S. Congress Kevin Lincoln Congressional District 13

U.S. Congress Peter Verbica Congressional District 19

U.S. Congress Vince Fong Congressional District 20

U.S. Congress David Valadao Congressional District 22

U.S. Congress Jay Obernolte Congressional District 23

U.S. Congress Bob Smith Congressional District 24

U.S. Congress Young Kim Congressional District 40

U.S. Congress Mitch Clemmons Congressional District 41

U.S. Congress Jenny Rae Le Roux Congressional District 47

U.S. Congress Jim Desmond Congressional District 48

U.S. Congress Armen Kurdian Congressional District 49

Board of Equalization Shannon Grove Board of Equalization 1

Board of Equalization John Pimentel Board of Equalization 2

Board of Equalization Denis Bilodeau Board of Equalization 4

County Assessor Jordan Marks San Diego County Assessor

County Supervisor Ted Gaines El Dorado County, 4th District

Local Offices Mark Fantozzi Cupertino City Council

Local Offices Mari Jane Lopez-Taff Citrus Height City Council, District 2

Local Offices Dan Hay Fountain Valley City Council

Local Offices Tonia Arey Los Angeles Community College District, Board of Trustees – Seat 6

Local Offices Elaine Alaniz Los Angeles Community College District, Board of Trustees – Seat 4

Local Offices Kristina Irwin Los Angeles Community College District, Board of Trustees – Seat 2

Local Offices Michael Massey Paso Robles City Council, District 2

Local Offices Meri Kaftan Plumas Lake Elementary School Board

Local Offices Marjorie Hamada Rancho Cucamonga, Mayor

Local Offices Tenessa Audette Redding City Council

Local Offices Erika Lowery South Bay Union School District, District 1

Local Offices Lance Christensen Wheatland School Board, Trustee

Local Offices Sean Phayakapong Yorba Linda City Council

The HJTA-PAC generally does not endorse in city, county or school board races, with occasional exceptions for previously endorsed candidates and individuals who have a long history of fighting alongside HJTA to protect Proposition 13.

JUDICIAL ELECTIONS

California 2nd District Court of Appeal

We felt it was important to call to your attention two justices on the California 2nd District Court of Appeal who are on the ballot. These justices issued a ruling in December 2025 against taxpayers’ interests and in a manner that weakens Proposition 13. The case was HJTA’s challenge to Measure ULA, the so-called “mansion tax.”

Justice Armen Tamzarian wrote and Justice Audra Mori signed the opinion, which concerningly declared, “the voters did not generally intend for Proposition 13 to limit their own power to raise taxes by initiative.”

By doing so, these justices opened the door for local voters to override the state constitution and Proposition 13 to raise taxes in any manner, in any amount, without a two-thirds vote, if the tax increase is placed on the ballot by a “citizens’ initiative.” Their decision in this case, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association v. City of Los Angeles, severely undermines the taxpayer protections in Proposition 13.

Voters will decide whether Justices Armen Tamzarian and Audra Mori are worthy of retention. Their names will be on the ballot in the 2nd District, which covers Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

Paid for by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association State PAC