California's 2026 governor candidates have weighed in on the state's stance on immigration, with some advocating for full cooperation with federal authorities and others rejecting it.
Xavier Becerra, a Democrat who previously defended California's sanctuary laws in court as attorney general, insists that the federal government cannot force the state to perform federal immigration enforcement. "We do not allow dangerous people to be on our streets," he said. In contrast, Republican candidate Steve Hilton argues that enforcing federal immigration law prevents riskier operations in local communities and claims that a federal challenge to the state's sanctuary laws is underway.
The candidates also diverge on the issue of health care access for undocumented immigrants moving through asylum or residency processes. Democratic candidate Katie Porter says California's current policy "is appropriate the way it is," while Republican candidate Chad Bianco proposes allowing certain individuals to receive state coverage only if they are working.
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a Democrat, supports providing health care to all undocumented immigrants, citing the need for public health emergencies. Green Party candidate Butch Ware rejects ICE cooperation entirely and advocates for universal healthcare. Meanwhile, Republican candidate Leo Zacky suggests some level of services for immigrants in these circumstances, but not "carte blanche" funding.
As the state's governor, these stances could shape California's approach to immigration and healthcare access, reflecting different priorities and values among the candidates.
Xavier Becerra, a Democrat who previously defended California's sanctuary laws in court as attorney general, insists that the federal government cannot force the state to perform federal immigration enforcement. "We do not allow dangerous people to be on our streets," he said. In contrast, Republican candidate Steve Hilton argues that enforcing federal immigration law prevents riskier operations in local communities and claims that a federal challenge to the state's sanctuary laws is underway.
The candidates also diverge on the issue of health care access for undocumented immigrants moving through asylum or residency processes. Democratic candidate Katie Porter says California's current policy "is appropriate the way it is," while Republican candidate Chad Bianco proposes allowing certain individuals to receive state coverage only if they are working.
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a Democrat, supports providing health care to all undocumented immigrants, citing the need for public health emergencies. Green Party candidate Butch Ware rejects ICE cooperation entirely and advocates for universal healthcare. Meanwhile, Republican candidate Leo Zacky suggests some level of services for immigrants in these circumstances, but not "carte blanche" funding.
As the state's governor, these stances could shape California's approach to immigration and healthcare access, reflecting different priorities and values among the candidates.
Man, this is gonna be a disaster 
. Can't believe we're even having this conversation 
. I mean, some of these candidates think they can just play politics with people's lives? 
Xavier Becerra is all like "oh, the feds can't make us do anything" 
, but that's just gonna lead to more chaos and confusion. And don't even get me started on Steve Hilton's "we need to keep it safe by keeping them out" mentality 
... what about their humanity? 
Forget about it. Some of these candidates are more concerned with forcing people to work before they can get basic medical care 
. Like, no 
. It's not that hard to provide some basic services to people who need 'em most. I just know this is gonna be a messy and inhumane rollout 
... California's reputation is about to take a hit 
. Xavier Becerra thinks the feds can't force Cali to cooperate with immigration enforcement 
, while Steve Hilton is like "no way, we gotta enforce federal law" 
. And then there's Katie Porter saying California's got it right with its current policy 
, and Chad Bianco wanting to tie healthcare access to a job 
. It's gonna be interesting to see how these priorities play out if any of them become governor 
I mean, Xavier Becerra, he's always talking about how California can't cooperate with federal authorities, but what if it's all just a ruse to cover up some deeper agenda? Maybe there's a corporation or something that wants to move its HQ to Cali and they're using this immigration debate as leverage. 
! I mean, can you imagine having a gov who actually cares about all ppl, no matter their staus? Like, Antonio Villaraigosa is straight fire 
for giving healthcare to all undocumented immigrants, even in emergency situations. It's only right, you know? And, omg, Butch Ware rejecting ICE coop altogether? 
, regardless of their immigration status!
and i love how Katie Porter is keeping it real about healthcare access fer undocumented immigrants 
those ppl r literally struggling rn
. It's crazy how some of these candidates are still stuck in the 90s 
. We need leaders who'll put people over politics and treat everyone with dignity 
. And btw, what's up with the "dangerous people" rhetoric? What even is that supposed to mean? 
and then there's people wanting healthcare for undocumented immigrants moving through asylum or residency processes... that's a tough one isn't it? My grandma had a friend who was deported from Mexico once, she never stopped talking about how hard life was after that 
I wish they could all just get along you know? 
Interesting how some people think health care should be available to everyone regardless of immigration status 
.
? california's sanctuary laws r supposed to be for ppl in need, not just a PR move. and what's with all these different stances on healthcare access? seems like they're all trying to outdo each other in a game of "who can be most heartless" 
. Meanwhile Steve Hilton thinks they gotta play nice with the fed govt to keep their streets safer 
and it's wild how many states have different policies 
but other states are much more restrictive 
. And what's up with the Republicans wanting to tie healthcare access to whether someone is working? 
? It's pretty clear that immigration policies have major ripple effects on families and communities 
. California should be setting an example here, not worrying about what the fedgov thinks. We're already seeing the effects of inhumane policies on our communities... Let's make sure we're not perpetuating more harm! 
meanwhile chad's idea about people having to work first? that sounds super unfair 
And can we please stop using the term "dangerous people" like it's some kind of buzzword 
.