California Candidates Call for Gas Tax Suspension Amid Price Surge

Gubernatorial hopefuls propose temporary halt to state excise tax as gas prices hit $5.52 per gallon in the state.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:52pm

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As gas prices in California reach record highs, with the average price in Los Angeles County rising to $5.52 per gallon, several gubernatorial candidates from both parties are calling for a temporary suspension of the state's gas tax. The tax, which accounts for around 61 cents per gallon, is being blamed for the state's significantly higher gas prices compared to the rest of the nation. However, the Democratic-controlled legislature is unlikely to approve such a suspension, citing the need for the tax revenue to fund road repairs and infrastructure projects.

Why it matters

The high gas prices in California have become a major political issue, with candidates from both parties seeking to appeal to voters struggling with the increased cost of living. The debate over the gas tax suspension highlights the tension between providing relief to consumers and maintaining funding for critical transportation infrastructure.

The details

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County reached its highest level since October 2023 this week. Democratic gubernatorial candidates Matt Mahan and Antonio Villaraigosa, as well as Republican candidates Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News host Steve Hilton, are all calling for the state legislature to temporarily suspend the gas tax. However, the Democratic-controlled legislature is unlikely to approve the suspension, as they see the tax revenue as essential for road repairs and Caltrans projects across the state.

  • As of Monday, the average price in the state was $5.52 per gallon.
  • The state excise or gas tax accounts for around 61 cents per gallon.

The players

Matt Mahan

Democratic gubernatorial candidate and San Jose mayor.

Antonio Villaraigosa

Democratic gubernatorial candidate and former Los Angeles mayor.

Chad Bianco

Republican gubernatorial candidate and Riverside Sheriff.

Steve Hilton

Republican gubernatorial candidate and former Fox News host.

Gavin Newsom

California Governor.

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What they’re saying

“I'm calling on the legislature to temporarily suspend the gasoline tax and provide relief to those who need it most.”

— Matt Mahan, Democratic gubernatorial candidate

“About a dollar of that is due to the higher taxes we have, the environmental fees we have and that we use a cleaner burning gasoline, which has helped clean the air considerably.”

— Soverin Borenstein, Economist, Energy Institute at Hass School of Business (nbclosangeles.com)

What’s next

The California legislature will decide whether to suspend the gas tax, though they are unlikely to do so given the Democratic majority's opposition to the move.

The takeaway

The debate over suspending California's gas tax highlights the tension between providing relief to consumers and maintaining funding for critical transportation infrastructure. While the high gas prices have become a major political issue, the Democratic-controlled legislature is unlikely to approve a temporary suspension of the tax.