Yesterday, the California State Senate heard a second reading and amendments for SB-42, what will be referenced as the "California Fair Elections Act of 2026".

The bill lays out a framework for public funds to be distributed to election campaigns so elections can be conducted "more fairly." Fair, to whom?

Public funding for elections in California is currently prohibited, but this would open the door for funds to be allocated so long as they are not earmarked for education, transportation, or public safety.

What this bill does not do is outline any specifics around who can give out the money, to whom, and how much. The door is wide open for cronyism.

Think: In a heavily blue state like California, with a blue legislature, and presumably a mostly blue committee for disbursing public election funds, what is the likelihood that these funds make their way to a Republican upstart who has a legitimate chance at unseating them?

Further, should your tax dollars be compelled to support candidates you don't support.

Proponents of the bill may point to increased penalties for accepting foreign donations. They might say this bill helps protect California from "foreign interference" in our elections. In reality, this is overstated. The maximum fine increases from 1x the value of foreign donations to a possible 3x.

This bill makes an assumption that access to funds is the primary barrier to diverse candidate participation. It doesn't address any other factors affecting electoral competition, like party support.

The bill claims that this will help increase the public's trust in government by fighting back against special interest. In my opinion, this bill does the opposite. Allowing governments to fund the elections of candidates who will support their goals (or perhaps fund themselves) would only increase distrust in government.