Dawit Kellel headshot

Dawit Kellel

California Governor

Top Issues

Taxes / Budget Conduct a full audit of revenues, expenditures, and unfunded commitments. Government Reform I also stand firmly against plutocracy because a society where wealth outweighs the voices of ordinary people undermines the very idea of democracy. Taxes / Budget Prioritize high‑ROI investments over legacy programs that no longer deliver. Criminal Justice / Public Safety I believe deeply in the importance of law and order, and that commitment shapes how Californians approach peace and security. I value stability, accountability, and the principle that clear, consistent rules help create a safer and more predictable environment for everyone. To me, supporting law and order isn’t about inflexibility—it’s about ensuring that justice is applied fairly, that institutions act responsibly, and that people can trust the systems designed to protect them. Healthcare I want to reform California’s healthcare system by focusing on expanding access, lowering costs, and reducing the bureaucratic barriers that hold it back. I do not believe the state should be funding healthcare for undocumented individuals; instead, we should concentrate our resources on fixing the system itself—one that is currently dominated by large private networks, overwhelmed clinics, and limited local healthcare options. Abortion / Contraception I believe medical decisions should be left between patients and their healthcare providers. Taxes / Budget California doesn’t have a revenue problem—it has a spending problem. That’s why I want to cut gas taxes, income taxes, and corporate taxes to give Californians real relief and build a stronger, more affordable future. Lowering these burdens would allow families to keep more of their hard‑earned money, help small businesses expand, and attract new employers who bring jobs and investment into our communities. Economy I believe strongly in free‑market capitalism without monopoly or plutocracy because it rewards innovation, hard work, and individual opportunity, allowing people and businesses to thrive without unnecessary government interference. Taxes / Budget I am committed to keeping and protecting California’s Proposition13 because it remains one of the strongest safeguards for homeowners, families, and property owners across our state. Prop13 ensures that people are not priced out of their homes through excessive or unpredictable tax hikes, and it prevents government from using taxation as a backdoor form of property confiscation. Environment / Energy I am firmly against offshore drilling in California because the risks far outweigh any short‑term gains. Our tourism economy, coastal communities, and fishing industry depend on clean, healthy oceans—one spill could devastate them for decades. Immigration I strongly support a firm border policy along our southern border because it reflects my commitment to safety, economic stability, and orderly immigration—priorities many Californians share. A well‑secured border can help reduce human trafficking, drug smuggling, and organized crime, contributing to safer communities across the state. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Public safety is equally essential. A strong, well‑trained, well‑supported law enforcement system ensures peace, stability, and trust—conditions that allow communities and businesses to thrive. By combining modern training, community engagement, and advanced technology, California can maintain security while strengthening the relationship between officers and the people they serve. Economy I believe in creating a thriving, competitive business environment where innovation and entrepreneurship can flourish, but I also stand firmly against monopolies that undermine fair competition. Supporting businesses means giving companies the freedom to grow, hire, and invest—but not allowing any single corporation to dominate an entire market or shut out smaller competitors. Guns I believe individual liberty is the foundation of any true democracy, and the right to bear arms is one of the most essential protections of that liberty. California’s restrictions on firearm ownership undermine this principle by leaving law‑abiding citizens less able to defend themselves, their families, their businesses, and their communities against both criminal threats and potential abuses of power. I intend to reestablish that right as soon as possible. Education Education stands at the heart of this strategy. Prioritizing STEM—science, technology, engineering, and medicine—will equip the next generation with the skills required to lead in an increasingly competitive global landscape. Expanding access to advanced research programs, strengthening partnerships with universities and industry, and ensuring that students from every background can participate in the innovation economy will position California as the world’s premier hub for talent and discovery. Healthcare California can dramatically increase the number of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare professionals across the state. This approach would drive down costs, improve access, and directly address one of the biggest affordability challenges facing Californians. Housing Underutilized state properties and public land can be transformed into structured housing communities that provide shelter, food access, mental‑health care, addiction treatment, and pathways back into stability. This approach prioritizes safety, health, and dignity for everyone involved. Environment / Energy California’s farmers are the backbone of our economy. I am committed to supporting and protecting their rights by securing and investing in long‑term, sustainable water resources. Abortion / Contraception I support Pro-Choice. California’s legal framework on reproductive rights is one of the strongest in the country. Defense / Veterans To the millions of veterans who still call this state home, and to those living elsewhere who hope to make California your permanent home, I hear you, and you have my full and unwavering support. I will not allow the state or outside organizations to take advantage of you. I will work to fully eliminate state taxes on your military retirement income and property tax burden. California allocates significant resources in many areas where it is illegal and wasteful, yet continues to deny veterans the complete property tax relief they deserve. Veterans, I want you to come back home. Housing I will make housing affordability a top priority. The path forward is clear: we must expand supply. And expanding supply starts with cutting unnecessary red tapes and reining in excessive fees that slow construction and drive up costs.

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