Three California Governor Candidates Back Single-Payer Health Care

Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, and Xavier Becerra have all publicly expressed support for a universal, free health care system in the state.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:09pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting depicting a solitary medical device or piece of hospital equipment, such as an IV stand or an X-ray machine, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, creating a sense of quiet contemplation and the weight of the healthcare system.As the debate over single-payer health care continues in California, the candidates' positions on this issue could shape the future of the state's healthcare landscape.Today in Sacramento

Three candidates for California Governor - Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, and Xavier Becerra - have publicly stated their support for a single-payer health care system that would provide free, universal health coverage to all residents of the state. The single-payer proposal, also known as CalCare, has been introduced in the California State Assembly and aims to eliminate deductibles, coinsurance, premiums, and other out-of-pocket costs for patients.

Why it matters

Single-payer health care has been a long-debated issue in California, with previous attempts failing to gain the necessary legislative support to become a reality. As the state prepares to elect a new governor, the candidates' positions on this policy have emerged as a key campaign issue for voters concerned about the cost and accessibility of health care.

The details

The single-payer health care plan would create a free, universal system in California, replacing the current mix of private insurance and public programs. Supporters argue it would provide more comprehensive coverage and better access to providers than existing plans. However, the proposal has faced opposition from those concerned about the potential costs and disruption to the current system.

  • The current single-payer proposal was introduced in the California State Assembly earlier this year.
  • The Inside California Politics gubernatorial primary debate, where the candidates' positions on this issue are expected to be discussed, will air live on April 22, 2026.

The players

Katie Porter

A candidate for California Governor who has publicly expressed her support for a single-payer health care system, describing it as the "only way to provide the highest quality health care for all".

Tom Steyer

A candidate for California Governor who has stated on his campaign website that he is "committed" to implementing a single-payer health care system in the state.

Xavier Becerra

A candidate for California Governor who has been an advocate for single-payer health care for over 30 years and has promised to "fight to make sure that every Californian has affordable care" as governor.

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What they’re saying

“She supports it and has spoken about it frequently.”

— Peter Opitz, Spokesperson for Katie Porter

“I am a proponent of single-payer health care, once again, to bring down the cost of health care dramatically for everybody in California.”

— Tom Steyer

“I've been an advocate for single-payer health care for over 30 years. As Governor, I will fight to make sure that every Californian has affordable care.”

— Xavier Becerra

What’s next

The Inside California Politics gubernatorial primary debate, where the candidates' positions on single-payer health care are expected to be discussed, will air live on April 22, 2026.

The takeaway

The candidates' support for single-payer health care highlights the ongoing debate in California over the future of the state's health care system and the potential for significant changes if one of these proponents is elected governor.