I Grew Up in California. Should Other States Follow Its Lead?

California’s 2026 primary season reads like a Hollywood script: headline-making personalities, sharp political divides and contested races that have captured national attention. In the governor’s contest, an attorney-turned-Cabinet official faces a former television personality with a national profile. On the Los Angeles ballot, former reality star Spencer Pratt — known from MTV’s The Hills — is running as a Republican against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, turning a local race into a broader cultural flashpoint.

What Readers Told Us

USA TODAY readers shared widely divergent views about whether other states should emulate California’s politics and policies. Their comments highlight competing assessments of the state’s strengths and failures — from economic dynamism to a deepening homelessness crisis.

From Supporters

Eric Steadle, Pennsylvania: California’s economic reach extends far beyond Silicon Valley. Manufacturing in Torrance, agriculture in the Central Valley and international trade all contribute to a statewide economy that ranks among the largest in the world. Supporters argue the state’s progressive policies help preserve diversity, protect the environment and promote innovation.

From Critics

James Reitano, California: I was raised viewing California as a land of opportunity — but over time I saw a shift toward performative justice and policies that prioritize symbolism over results. My warning to other states: don’t follow this model.

Tom Bohannon, Georgia: For some readers, the state’s challenges — what they call excessive bureaucracy, high taxes and political leadership they view as out of touch — call for conservative, business-oriented governance that would reduce regulation and restore economic vitality.

Key Policy Concerns

Several recurring policy themes emerged in reader responses:

• Homelessness and Mental Health: Many readers identified homelessness as California’s most urgent crisis, with some tracing its roots to the deinstitutionalization of psychiatric patients during the Reagan era. Commenters called for stronger mental-health services, addiction treatment and more reliable tracking and care for homeless veterans.
• Nonprofit Accountability: Some readers criticized the large role nonprofits play in delivering social services, arguing that programs often lack oversight and continuity when funding runs out.
• Health Care Financing: Critics said promises of universal coverage have fallen short and raised concerns about public–private arrangements with large health systems.
• Taxation and Redistribution: Several contributors urged fairer taxation of the ultra-wealthy to fund social programs, while opponents warned higher taxes and regulation can hinder business growth.

Spencer Pratt’s Mayoral Bid: A Hollywood Spotlight

Spencer Pratt’s campaign for Los Angeles mayor has underscored how celebrity candidacies can transform local contests into national talking points. Pratt, who gained fame on The Hills and remains a visible media personality with his wife, Heidi Montag, has attracted both endorsements and criticism from well-known figures. He is running as a Republican against Mayor Karen Bass in the June 2 election, making the race a test of campaigns built around celebrity versus traditional political experience.

Where Californians Stand

The debate over California’s future is not settled. Supporters emphasize the state’s remarkable economic scale and cultural diversity; critics point to governance failures on homelessness, public safety and bureaucratic complexity. Some readers suggested that reform — not abandonment — is the path forward: better accountability for service providers, targeted mental-health and substance-abuse funding, and tax policies that strengthen the middle class.

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