YIMBY movement split on who should be CA's next governor

Leading gubernatorial candidates in California across political parties have made solving the state housing crisis central to their campaigns. As housing has gained prominence, endorsements from YIMBYs have increased, reflecting the movement’s influence in reducing barriers to development and reshaping state and local politics. Despite unified messaging that more housing is needed, YIMBYs at-large did not back a single candidate before the June 2 primary, indicating disagreement about the best path to achieve housing goals. YIMBY Action endorsed Tom Steyer, who pledged to build 1 million homes in four years using state resources. California YIMBY did not endorse any gubernatorial candidate, citing that multiple leading Democrats have strong YIMBY credentials and urging voters to consider broader priorities.

"Over the last decade, the pro-housing coalition has become a dominant political force throughout California, helping to knock down barriers to development and ushering in a new reign of state and local politicians. Yet, the YIMBYs at-large were unable to get behind a single candidate ahead of the June 2 primary, showing that despite the movement's monolithic messaging that more housing is good housing, it is divided on who can best achieve it."

"YIMBY Action, the movement's grassroots organizing arm, endorsed Tom Steyer, the billionaire and environmental advocate. Steyer has pledged to build 1 million homes in four years by using state resources to free up capital and developable land. However, Steyer's progressive politics have given pause to some in the development community."

"California YIMBY, a separate statewide organization that focuses on passing pro-housing legislation, endorsed candidates in 70 other state races but chose not to endorse a single candidate for governor. Instead, the group said Steyer and the other three leading Democratic candidates Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter and Matt Mahan claim solid YIMBY bonafides."

"Life isn't just about housing, Brian Hanlon, CA YIMBY's founder and executive director, wrote in his non-endorsement announcement, urging YIMBYs to choose the candidate who best aligns with their other priorities. It's a strangely broad-minded sentiment from a group that has pushed the housing shortage as an urgent crisis and hub for many of society's ills."

Read at therealdeal.com