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California Governor Debate 2026: Ché Ahn Responds to Newsom, Gas Tax, Homelessness, AI, Wealth Tax, & Election Integrity 

Key Takeaways (Table of Contents)

Should California Cut the Gas Tax to Reduce the Cost of Living?

Ché Ahn:
 Absolutely. California has the highest gas tax in America—about $1.18 per gallon—and yet our infrastructure ranks near the bottom nationally. According to national reports, our roads and highways are among the worst in the country.

This is a failure of leadership and stewardship. We are one of the wealthiest economies in the world, yet families are struggling with rising costs. Meanwhile, California has abundant natural resources, including crude oil, yet we import roughly 60% of our petroleum.

Cutting the gas tax is a common-sense solution to the California cost of living crisis. It puts money back in the pockets of working families and forces accountability in how infrastructure funds are managed.

Should Electric Vehicle Drivers Pay a Mileage-Based Road Tax in California?

Ché Ahn:
 No. I oppose a mileage-based road tax for electric vehicles—or anyone.

This policy punishes everyday Californians, especially working-class families who are already struggling. Many people commute long distances because housing is unaffordable near their jobs. Adding a mileage tax would make their situation even worse.

This kind of policy reflects government overreach. Californians should have freedom of choice in transportation, not be forced into costly mandates or new taxes.

If elected, I would veto any mileage-based tax proposal. We need solutions that lower costs—not increase them.

What Grade Would You Give Governor Newsom on Homelessness—and What Is Your California Homelessness Solution?

Ché Ahn:
 I would give Governor Newsom an F on homelessness.

Despite billions spent, the crisis continues to worsen. My approach focuses on accountability, recovery, and long-term solutions:

First, enforce existing laws like Prop 36 to address drug-related crimes. Drug traffickers must face consequences.

Second, expand faith-based rehabilitation programs, which have proven success rates. Organizations like the Dream Center achieve up to 80% recovery because they address both the physical and spiritual roots of addiction.

Third, invest in job training and workforce development—especially in construction—to rebuild California’s housing supply. We should be building hundreds of thousands of homes annually, not tens of thousands.

Finally, reform restrictive policies like CEQA to unlock land and accelerate affordable housing development.

This is a comprehensive California homelessness solution for 2026—one that restores dignity, reduces crime, and gets people off the streets.

How Will You Protect Jobs as AI Replaces Workers in California?

Ché Ahn:
 AI is the next major economic shift—like the Industrial Revolution or the rise of the internet. It will both eliminate and create jobs.

Our responsibility is to protect people while embracing innovation.

That means:

  • Implementing smart regulation to prevent abuse
  • Ensuring companies—not taxpayers—fund infrastructure like data centers
  • Expanding energy production, including nuclear, to support AI growth
  • Creating new jobs through construction and technology development

AI is not going away. The goal is to balance innovation with workforce protection, ensuring Californians benefit—not get left behind.

Are California Elections Secure—and What Would You Do About Election Integrity?

Ché Ahn:
 Election integrity is foundational to a functioning democracy.

I support voter ID laws, which are already implemented in most states. Californians deserve confidence that elections are fair, transparent, and secure.

There are too many concerns—from ballot handling to outdated voter rolls—that need to be addressed. Even the perception of irregularities undermines trust.

If elected, I would push for:

  • Verified voter identification
  • Citizenship confirmation for voting eligibility
  • Stronger oversight and auditing processes

Restoring trust in elections is essential for the future of California and the nation.

Do Californians Who Disapprove of Donald Trump’s Leadership Have It Wrong?

Ché Ahn:
 I strongly support current federal leadership, particularly in areas of foreign policy.

The real issue is not just individual conflicts—it’s the global influence of communist China and expanding Marxist ideologies. I’ve seen this firsthand traveling internationally.

Policies toward Iran, Venezuela, and global security must be viewed through that lens. We are in a time of geopolitical tension, and strong leadership is necessary to protect freedom and stability.

California voters need to understand the bigger picture: national security, economic independence, and global influence are all connected.

Should the Wealthy Pay More Taxes in California—and How Much?

Ché Ahn:
 Everyone should contribute fairly—but excessive taxation is destructive.

Proposals like extreme wealth taxes drive high earners and job creators out of California. We’ve already seen businesses and entrepreneurs relocate to states like Texas and Florida.

When that happens:

  • Jobs leave
  • Tax revenue declines
  • The economy weakens

We should be encouraging wealth creation—not punishing it.

A strong California economy depends on free-market principles, business growth, and responsible fiscal policy. If we want prosperity, we must stop policies that push success out of the state.

Final Thought: A Different Kind of Leadership for California

Ché Ahn presents himself not as a career politician, but as a leader focused on restoring faith, family, freedom, and common-sense governance.

From tackling the California cost of living crisis to delivering a real California homelessness solution in 2026, his message is clear:

California doesn’t need more politics.
It needs leadership that protects, provides, and restores opportunity for every family.