From The San Francisco Standard · Stan Oklobdzija · · 2m
To fix California, make its politicians afraid to lose
New parties could force California politicians to address homelessness and housing crises by increasing election competition.
In brief
New parties could force California politicians to address homelessness and housing crises by increasing election competition. California needs new political parties to boost local election competition and address homelessness and housing issues. Originally reported by The San Francisco Standard.
California's political landscape
California has the nation's largest homeless population and some of the most expensive housing yet incumbents rarely face consequences.
Historical election dynamics
In the 1990s, gubernatorial races were fiercely contested between parties with high-level offices often controlled by opposition leaders.
Current political reality
Since 2010, a democrat has won california's gubernatorial race with minimal competition and republican candidates rarely securing over 41% of votes.
Homelessness crisis
California has one of the largest concentrations of homeless people in the western hemisphere with 18,000 unsheltered individuals in bay area core counties.
Local election challenges
Median city council races draw 5,400 voters with winners winning fewer than 600 votes, creating unrepresentative outcomes.
Los Angeles case study
Los Angeles approved a property tax for 13,000 homeless housing units in 2016 but only built 8,500 by 2026 with uneven distribution.
Current political solution
New parties could recruit candidates focused on housing and governance to increase competition and voter engagement.
Fusion voting potential
California allows fusion voting at the presidential level but needs changes to enable party competition in local elections.
District reform proposal
Expanding council districts to multiple members could create local political parties through proportional representation systems.
Portland example
Portland switched from single-member districts to proportional representation creating local political groups.
YIMBY party vision
A coalition of pro-housing groups could form a yimby party to run candidates for bay area city councils.
2028 reform goals
California voters may push for ethics commissions and term limits in 2028 through ballot initiatives.
Political reform impact
Increased party competition could lead to more accountable local governance and address homelessness through policy focus.
Conclusion
Fixing california's political system through new parties would improve voter accountability and address housing and homelessness crises.
In short
California needs new political parties to boost local election competition and address homelessness and housing issues.
