OpenCampaign

Role of Government

Community Voice

Size of California state government

Despite California's overall liberalism, a broad geographic range of Californians say they want a smaller state government. This desire for reduced government size crosses partisan lines to some extent and connects to concerns about the state budget, efficiency of services, and affordability. It is a key tension in California politics heading into 2026.

Should California reduce the size and scope of its state government?

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Sources

Public Policy Institute of California — https://www.ppic.org/publication/californias-political-geography
A broad geographic range of Californians also want a smaller state government, despite the state's overall liberalism.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Expand state government to address inequality, climate change, housing, and health care with robust public programs.
  2. Maintain current government size but improve efficiency and accountability in how existing programs are delivered.
  3. Modestly reduce government bureaucracy while protecting core safety net programs and public services.
  4. Significantly shrink state government, reduce spending, and return more decisions to local governments and individuals.
  5. Drastically cut the size of state government and eliminate most regulatory agencies to free up the private sector.

Size of state government

PPIC analysis finds that a broad geographic range of Californians want a smaller state government despite the state’s overall liberalism, making the size and scope of Sacramento a live policy conflict that also intersects with state-federal tensions.

Should California shrink or expand the size and role of state government?

Tap a point along the line below to show where you stand.

How important is this to you?

Sources

Public Policy Institute of California — https://www.ppic.org/publication/californias-political-geography
A broad geographic range of Californians also want a smaller state government, despite the state’s overall liberalism.
Public Policy Institute of California — https://www.ppic.org/publication/californias-political-geography
We have enough data to explore four key issues that have been at the forefront of the public conversation: the size of state government, the benefits and costs of immigrants and immigration, California’s role in climate change mitigation, and abortion access.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Expand state programs and staffing to meet housing, health, climate, and equity goals
  2. Grow targeted public capacity where needs are greatest while improving efficiency
  3. Hold government size roughly steady and focus on better performance
  4. Reduce bureaucracy and spending while protecting core safety-net functions
  5. Significantly shrink state government, cut taxes, and return more functions to markets and localities