California’s Next Governor Must Shift Focus from Incarceration to Safety

As California approaches the 2026 governor’s race, candidates are increasingly using crime as a political weapon. Despite repeated claims of being “tough on crime,” evidence shows that such policies have not enhanced public safety. After years of investing billions, it is clear that simply incarcerating individuals for minor offenses does not lead to safer communities. Instead, it exacerbates the issue of mass incarceration.

For California to genuinely prioritize safety, the next governor must adopt an evidence-based approach rather than relying on fear, outdated slogans, or media sensationalism. The state has made notable strides, with crime rates decreasing across all major categories in 2024, and the murder rate reaching its lowest point in decades. Significant reforms in sentencing and smart investments have contributed to a prison population that is now the smallest it has been in over 30 years.

Despite these improvements, many residents report feeling less secure in their daily lives. Issues such as homelessness, family separations, overdose deaths, and slow emergency response times persist. Communities, especially those facing domestic violence, continue to experience crime and violence. These challenges demand comprehensive solutions.

Criminal justice policy experts advocate for strengthening community safety through proven strategies. Research indicates that safety is established long before crimes occur. Key factors such as stable housing, accessible mental health care, substance-use treatment, quality education, and good job opportunities contribute to safer and more resilient communities. The absence of these supports manifests in emergency rooms and on city streets, further straining first responders.

Survivors of crime have expressed a desire for investment in supportive services rather than punitive measures that only deepen societal challenges. Yet, discussions around public safety often default to a narrow, fear-driven narrative that prioritizes punishment over preventive measures. California allocates approximately $17.5 billion annually to its prison system, even as the prison population declines, while public health investments remain significantly lower.

The next governor has an opportunity to align state funding with effective safety strategies. This includes enhancing mental health services, establishing community-based crisis response teams, and holding law enforcement accountable. Additionally, expanding violence prevention and youth programs can interrupt cycles of harm, while treating addiction as a health issue rather than a criminal one.

Facing challenging budget decisions, especially with ongoing federal pressures, the next governor need not reinvent public safety. Existing solutions can guide future actions. By closing at least four outdated state prisons, billions could be redirected towards housing, healthcare, and community safety initiatives. These investments would not only prevent crime but also address underlying issues at a fraction of the cost of incarceration.

Safety transcends political rhetoric; it is about ensuring families have stable housing, providing help to those in crisis, and offering genuine support to crime survivors. This presents a critical test of political courage. Candidates must resist the temptation to rely on outdated “tough-on-crime” rhetoric and instead commit to addressing the real needs of Californians.

Jose Bernal, political director of the Ella Baker Center Action Fund, and Michelle Parris, California director at Vera Action, emphasize that the focus should be on tangible solutions that improve community well-being and safety. Californians deserve leaders who will prioritize effective strategies that reflect the realities of their lives.