How Does California’s Affordability Crisis Impact Families and the Cost of Living?
Che Ahn:
California is the fourth-largest economy in the world with a GDP of $4.1 trillion—yet 35% of Californians are living in poverty. That’s unacceptable. We also have the highest unemployment rate in the nation at 5.5%, while the rest of the country continues to improve.
Families are suffering because everything costs more here—gas, electricity, taxes, and housing. The median home price in Los Angeles is nearly $950,000, making homeownership impossible for the average family. That’s why 1.5 million people have left California in the last two years. My campaign is about putting families first and restoring affordability so people can actually thrive here.
Why Are Gas Prices and Energy Costs So High in California?
Che Ahn:
California pays the highest gas prices and electricity costs in the nation, and it’s not accidental. We stopped producing the crude oil we actually need for gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. On top of that, extreme regulations have forced refineries (like Chevron) to leave the state.
We consume 30 million gallons of gasoline every day, and that demand isn’t going away. Yet instead of producing clean fuel here, we’re importing it—driving prices up and hurting working families.
Is California Importing “Dirty” Oil Instead of Producing Clean Energy Locally?
Che Ahn:
Yes—and the irony is staggering. California now imports roughly 60% of its petroleum, often from places like Saudi Arabia. These fuels arrive on diesel-powered tankers, producing more carbon emissions than if we refined oil here under California’s strict environmental standards.
Even a Democratic assemblymember acknowledged that importing oil causes more pollution than producing it locally. We’ve outsourced environmental damage while pretending we’re cleaner—it doesn’t make sense.
What Are the Pros and Cons of California’s Environmental Policies on Energy?
Che Ahn:
I believe in creation care. God created the earth and called it good—we should steward it responsibly. California has made real progress cleaning our air and water, and I applaud that.
But people matter most. When environmental ideology becomes extreme, it hurts families. Policies that force refineries out, ban gas cars, or eliminate reliable energy sources without viable replacements are driving costs up and pushing people into poverty.
We need balanced, common-sense environmental policies that protect the environment and allow Californians to afford life.
Why Are Major Companies Leaving California—and What Does That Mean for Jobs?
Che Ahn:
Companies are leaving because California has become too expensive and hostile to do business. Chevron, Phillips 66, Tesla, SpaceX—these aren’t small employers. These are high-paying jobs with benefits that support families.
When Chevron announced it was leaving, its stock price went up. That tells you how bad the business climate has become. Every company that leaves means lost jobs, lost tax revenue, and higher unemployment.
Why Does California Have High Unemployment Despite Its Massive Economy?
Che Ahn:
Unemployment is high because jobs are leaving the state. Businesses answer to shareholders, and California’s policies are making it impossible for them to stay competitive.
When jobs disappear, it impacts education, mental health, suicide rates, and family stability. This is why affordability isn’t just an economic issue—it’s a human issue. If families can’t survive financially, everything else suffers.
How Would Energy Reform Lower Prices and Strengthen California’s Economy?
Che Ahn:
Energy is the foundation of affordability. Lower energy costs lower gas prices, food prices, housing costs, and transportation costs.
I support:
- Keeping refineries in California
- Reducing overregulation
- Producing clean fuel locally
- Exploring clean nuclear energy, as countries like Canada and England already do
We cannot power an AI-driven economy on unreliable energy sources alone. California shouldn’t experience blackouts—not in the fourth-largest economy in the world.
What Leadership Is Needed to Fix California’s Economic Crisis?
Che Ahn:
This is a crisis—and crises require leadership. As governor, I would prioritize families over ideology. My preference is to work with the legislature, but in an emergency, I’m willing to use executive authority to restore energy production and stabilize prices.
California doesn’t lack resources—we lack righteous, courageous leadership willing to put people first.
What Is Your Christmas Message to Californians Who Are Struggling?
Che Ahn:
For anyone feeling depressed or overwhelmed this Christmas, I want you to know there is hope. Jesus came 2,000 years ago to give us life—and abundant life.
When you surrender your life to Christ, He gives you peace, joy, and purpose—even in chaos. That abundant life begins by inviting Him into your heart. My prayer is that this Christmas season brings you renewed faith, joy, and hope for the future.
God bless you, and Merry Christmas.