California voters passed Prop 36 overwhelmingly in November 2024, but Sacramento is now effectively killing it by refusing to fund implementation—a move San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is calling out publicly as he launches a 2026 gubernatorial bid. Mahan, whose city reduced unsheltered homelessness by nearly 23% through accountability-focused policies, argues the legislature is vetoing the will of voters after the fact. The standoff is becoming a flashpoint in California's broader debate over whether the state's political class will ever be held accountable for ignoring election results on crime and public safety.
San Jose's mayor reduced homelessness by a quarter while Sacramento fumbled. Now he's bringing receipts to the governor's race.
Californians voted for public safety. The state legislature decided their votes don't count.