None of the Democratic candidates vying to succeed Gavin Newsom in California rated his efforts to combat homelessness lower than a “B-minus.” This grading is strikingly optimistic given the harsh reality many residents face. Republican contender Steve Hilton dismissed the evaluations with a resounding “My goodness, of course it’s an F,” noting that California, with only 10% of the nation’s population, accounts for about 50% of its homeless individuals. A staggering statistic lays bare the depths of the crisis that has worsened over the years despite massive financial investments.
The responses from Democratic candidates reflect a palpable hesitation to criticize Newsom, whose endorsement remains conspicuously absent in the race. Katie Porter, a former congresswoman, acknowledged the difficulty of solving such a complex issue but awarded Newsom a B grade. Even billionaire candidate Tom Steyer echoed Porter’s sentiments, assigning Newsom a B-minus while hesitating to dive deeper into critiques. Their assessments come off as detached when contrasted against the harsh truth on the ground, where homelessness is skyrocketing.
Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra took a different route, arguing that Newsom deserved an even higher grade for his apparent efforts. “I would say that the governor has made efforts,” Becerra stated, pointing to Newsom’s attempts to engage with the problem up close. But with California’s homeless population increasing dramatically—climbing from 108,400 in 2019 to 161,400 in 2024—high grades seem more like an evasion of responsibility rather than recognition of effective governance.
The context is sobering. California has poured approximately $20 billion into homelessness initiatives, yet the results tell a different story. The statistics from the California State Senate Housing Committee make it clear: funding alone has not translated into solutions. This stark reality was highlighted in a memorable moment during a debate, where Florida Governor Ron DeSantis showcased the infamous “poop map” of San Francisco, underlining the acute crisis faced by the state. Nearly 270,000 reported instances of human waste underscore the depth of the issue, a problem that supposedly prosperous California should not endure.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco offered a blunt assessment: the core issues surrounding homelessness are not merely about housing. “It has nothing to do with homes,” he declared, characterizing many individuals as suffering from addiction and mental illness. This perspective shakes the foundation of the alternative narratives. It suggests that without addressing these underlying issues, no amount of funding can resolve the crisis.
With the gubernatorial primary on the horizon, the candidates must confront not only the gravity of the homelessness crisis but also their evaluations of Newsom’s legacy. As the race unfolds, the question remains whether any of them can offer tangible solutions beyond just assigning letter grades. The persistent struggle with homelessness in California may yet serve as a determinant of not only this election but future governance as well.
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