California's Governorship Race: Candidates Reveal Their Health Care Plans

Every day, California residents face obstacles in affording medications and often endure lengthy waits for mental health services. Many in the “sandwich generation” find themselves balancing care for both aging parents and young children. These challenges rank among the primary health care concerns Californians hope the next governor will tackle, as revealed by a recent poll. At a recent forum at UC Riverside, organized by philanthropic foundations, gubernatorial candidates, including former U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, ex-Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former State Controller Betty Yee deliberated on these issues. Richard Tate, CEO of the California Wellness Foundation, highlighted the necessity for efficient healthcare responses to federal cuts. While viewpoints diverged on funding methods, all candidates acknowledged the critical need for reforms to enhance California's health care framework and provide equitable access to services for residents across the state.