In California Governor Race, Single-Payer Is a Litmus Test. There’s Still No Way To Pay for It.

By: Christine Mai-Duc

Outlets: KFF Health News

Published: May 8, 2026

Words: 1,147

Last Updated: 2 months, 3 weeks ago

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When Gavin Newsom ran for California governor in 2018, his support for a state-run single-payer healthcare system was considered a risky move and earned him hefty labor endorsements.

Today, leading Democrats in the wide-open race to succeed Newsom have embraced single-payer as a political necessity, an answer to voters fed up with rising premiums and other spiraling healthcare costs.

But with no clear front-runner, they are sparring among themselves in debates and political …

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