Kevin Faulconer, former mayor of San Diego, has highlighted the potential benefits of electing a Republican governor in California’s upcoming election, arguing that a divided government could improve oversight and policy outcomes in the state.
Faulconer, who served as San Diego mayor from 2014 to 2020, pointed to his own experience working as a Republican mayor alongside a City Council controlled by Democrats. During that time, he said the city successfully addressed longstanding infrastructure issues, notably repairing roughly half of San Diego’s street network after years of neglect. When he assumed office, the city had a pavement condition score of 59 out of 100; by the time he left, the score had risen to 72, with street repairs increasing from 24 miles per year to 24 miles per month at the peak of the effort.
The former mayor emphasized how political differences fostered scrutiny and debate, which he views as beneficial to government effectiveness. “Every budget, every piece of legislation, every vote had to survive questions from people who saw the world differently than I did,” Faulconer said, highlighting notable achievements such as passing seven structurally balanced budgets and landmark housing reforms.
In contrast, Faulconer criticized California’s current political landscape, where Democrats have held the governorship, most statewide offices, and majorities in both legislative chambers for nearly 16 years. He argued that one-party control has led to unchecked spending increases without commensurate improvements in state services. Faulconer noted the ballooning cost of projects such as the high-speed rail, which has risen from an initial estimate of $33 billion to more than $126 billion without completing a single passenger trip, and pointed to state auditor findings that $24 billion spent on homelessness programs over five years lacked consistent outcome tracking.
The former mayor also referenced recent voter initiatives as evidence that Californians are seeking more oversight, including the rejection of proposals to end cash bail and the override of a law affecting gig workers. In 2024, voters approved Proposition 36, rolling back parts of a criminal justice reform measure. Faulconer expressed opposition to Proposition 40, a tax on billionaires supported by state Democrats, warning it could drive job creators out of California without guaranteeing limits on future taxes.
Faulconer argues that electing a Republican governor, such as the 2026 candidate Steve Hilton, could reintroduce a necessary counterbalance in Sacramento. Hilton’s campaign focuses on reducing the cost of living by eliminating state income tax on the first $150,000 of earnings, lowering gas prices to $3 per gallon, cutting utility bills by half, and easing regulations that affect housing affordability. Faulconer acknowledged that a Democratic-controlled Legislature might oppose some of these proposals but suggested that disagreement could foster “constructive friction” and compromise.
“Californians don’t care which party fixes our problems any more than San Diego drivers cared which party paved their street,” Faulconer said. “We want someone in Sacramento asking hard questions on our behalf.”
Faulconer’s comments underscore a broader debate about political balance and governance in California as voters prepare for the state’s 2026 gubernatorial election.