Wave of 2026 Ballot Initiatives Gain Momentum

Statewide ballot measures tend to come in waves. Four months ago, there were only five citizen-sponsored initiatives attempting to make the 2026 ballot — today there are 25.

Since September 1, nine initiatives have been filed. Historically, only about 19% of initiatives ultimately qualify for the ballot, but this latest wave includes several strong contenders. Two to watch are the CalChamber’s CEQA reform initiative — which aims to streamline housing, water, and energy projects — and SEIU-UHW’s “Billionaires Tax,” a proposed 5% wealth tax that would be the first of its kind in the nation.

As always, click HERE to see a summary of all the initiatives and their status.

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Tom Ross | President and CEO | Swing Strategies

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Filed with the Attorney Generals Office:

Three Legislatively Referred initiatives have qualified for the 2026 ballot:

ACA 13 (Ward): Voting Thresholds.
SCA 1 (Newman) Elections: Recall of State Officers.
SB 42 (Umberg): California Fair Elections Act of 2026.

Thirteen initiatives have been issued title and summary from the Attorney General’s Office and are cleared for circulation:

Initiative to increase ethnic studies requirements in the California State Universities.
Initiative to restrict insurance denials for physician-recommended medical care.
The Local Taxpayer Protection Act to Save Proposition 13 (Version 1, Version 2, Version 3).
Initiative to limit compensation for health care executives.
Initiative to require accountability and transparency in clinic funding.
Initiative to require a future vote to make California an independent country.
Initiative to prohibit government entities from restricting boycotts supporting Palestine or opposing Israel’s actions.
Initiative to reform insurance rate regulations for consumers.
Initiative to create loan program for middle-income home buyers.
Initiative to create a state-funded savings account for students.
Initiative to penalize politicians who vote in favor of redistricting.

One initiative cleared for circulation has reached the 25% signature threshold.

Initiative to require ID to cast a ballot in California.

Ten initiatives are pending title and summary at the Attorney General’s Office:

Initiative to provide funding for health care services for children.
Initiative to restore property tax benefit for property transfers.
Initiative to provide a down payment loan program for staff of California state universities.
Initiative to restore citizen vote on citizen-initiative ballot measures at statewide primary elections.
Initiative to prohibit unfair insurance denials.
Initiative to require health care labor organization transparency in political giving.
Initiative to eliminate financial incentives for personal injury attorneys.
Initiative to streamline essential housing, clean energy, and public health projects.
Initiative to impose a 5% wealth tax on individuals with a net worth of $1 billion or more.
Initiative to limit access to AI for teens and children.

In case you missed it, here’s our full summary of statewide ballot initiatives as they move through the process. And if you’re curious about what’s coming up on the horizon over the next couple of months, check out our political calendar here. Lastly, for Tom Ross’ Happening In California newsletter, sign up here.