California's Health Care Challenge: Who Will Fix the Mess?

California's upcoming governor race is heating up, and health care is the hot topic. With costs rising and access shrinking, candidates are stepping up to share their plans. But will their promises translate into real change? The state's health care system is under pressure. Prices are going up, and more people are struggling to get the care they need. Candidates are talking about big ideas like single-payer health care and tax hikes to fund programs. But details are scarce, and the road ahead looks tough. Former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra wants to be the state's "health care governor, " picking up where Governor Gavin Newsom left off. Tony Thurmond is pushing for a single-payer system, while Betty Yee talks about rebuilding from federal cuts. Antonio Villaraigosa acknowledges the challenge but is committed to preserving safety net health care. Meanwhile, Californians are feeling the pinch. A recent poll shows nearly 80% of likely voters worry about health care costs. Many are disappointed with Newsom's unmet promises, especially on single-payer health care. The state has expanded coverage, but rising costs and budget deficits have led to rollbacks. Federal policies are adding to the problem. Republicans in Congress are refusing to extend premium tax subsidies, and Medicaid cuts are looming. This could push millions of Californians off the program. Even those with employer-based coverage are facing steep price hikes. With the primary just around the corner, candidates are vying to stand out. Porter, Calderon, and Cloobeck are among the Democrats, while Republicans like Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton are also in the mix. The race is on to see who can tackle California's health care crisis.