Table of Contents
- Key Findings
- Overall Mood
- Economic Conditions and Personal Finances
- Mental Health Policy
- Immigration Policy
- 2024 Elections
- State and Federal Approval Ratings
- Regional Map
- Methodology
- Questions and Responses
- Authors and Acknowledgments
- PPIC Statewide Advisory Committee
- PPIC Board of Directors
- Copyright
Key Findings
The national economy continues to send mixed signals, with both employment growth and rising prices. In California, the legislature passed a $311 billion state budget—and Governor Newsom has signed it—with a record $37.8 billion in budget reserves amid slowing revenues in June. Then the legislature turned its attention to bills and bond measures to submit to the governor before the 2023 session ended on September 14. On the national level, the president and Congress avoided a federal crisis over the debt ceiling and are now seeking a compromise to avoid a partial shutdown of the federal government on October 1. These events happened as candidate debates started for the 2024 presidential primary, and as current Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump was indicted in August on federal and state charges of interfering with the 2020 election. Public concerns about climate change have resurfaced in the face of record heat waves, a rare tropical storm in California, and a devastating wildfire in Maui.
This is the 25th year of the PPIC Statewide Survey. These are key findings of the Californians and Their Government survey on state and national issues, conducted from August 25 to September 5, 2023:
- Californians name jobs, the economy, and inflation as the most important issue facing the state today. Majorities say that California and the US are generally going in the wrong direction, and two in three residents expect bad economic times in California and the US during the next 12 months. Partisans agree that jobs, the economy, and inflation are the top issue facing the state today, but their views differ on the general direction and economic outlook for the state and the nation. →
- About half of Californians think the local economy in their area will be about the same six months from now. Inland empire residents are the most pessimistic about the direction of the state, while San Francisco Bay Area residents are the least pessimistic. Majorities across most demographic groups expect their personal finances to be about the same six months from now. About one in three lower-income residents expect their personal finances to be somewhat or much weaker. Compared to six months ago, overwhelming majorities of Californians across all demographic groups are less comfortable making a major purchase like a home or a car. →
- Overwhelming majorities of Californians say there is a mental health crisis in the US. This perception is widely held across political parties, demographic groups, and regions of the state. Nearly four in ten say the pandemic has had a negative impact on their mental health. Majorities across demographic groups and regions say they have heard nothing at all about the 988 mental health hotline that will help connect people with mental health services. A majority report that they would be somewhat or very likely to call 988 if they or a loved one were experiencing a mental health crisis. →
- Nearly seven in ten say that immigration is a good thing for the country. Majorities hold this positive view across racial/ethnic groups and regions, while Democrats are far more likely than Republicans to have this perception. Twenty-seven percent say that the situation at the US border with Mexico is a “crisis” (37% major problem, 32% minor problem, 8% not a problem). Majorities across partisan, regional, and demographic groups know about and disapprove of other state governments sending migrants to California cities. →
- Four in ten likely voters are satisfied with the way that US democracy is working. A majority express a great deal or quite a lot of confidence in California’s election system, with partisans deeply divided. Former President Donald Trump continues to be well ahead of other candidates in the Republican presidential primary. Adam Schiff now leads in a race including fellow Democratic congressmembers Barbara Lee and Katie Porter in the top-two US Senate primary. If the 2024 election is a rematch of 2020, Californians favor Biden over Trump by 31 percentage points. →
- A majority approves of Governor Newsom’s performance in office and half approve of President Biden. Fewer than half approve of the state legislature, while fewer than one in four approve of the US Congress. The approval ratings of the president, the governor, and the state legislature are much higher among Democrats than other voters. Partisans agree in their overwhelming disapproval of Congress. Three in ten approve of the US Supreme Court, with partisans divided on their approval of the US Supreme court as well as on its decisions involving abortion, same-sex couples, and affirmative action. →
Overall Mood
Californians most often name jobs, the economy, and inflation (28%) when asked to name the most important issue facing the people of California today. Fewer mention homelessness (14%), housing costs and affordability (13%), crime (8%), and environmental issues (8%). A majority of Californians say things in the state are going in the wrong direction (55% adults, 54% likely voters), while fewer than half say things are going in the right direction (44% adults, 45% likely voters). The share saying things are going in the wrong direction has been steadily increasing since a year ago (44%). Partisans today are divided on this issue, with two in three Democrats saying things are going in the right direction, while about two in three independents and nine in ten Republicans say things are going in the wrong direction. Half or more across demographic and regional groups say things are going in the wrong direction, with the exception of African Americans (48%), Asian Americans (45%), and residents in the San Francisco Bay Area (44%).
A majority of Californians think things in the state are going in the wrong direction
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Surveys, 1999–2023.
A solid majority (66% adults, 62% likely voters) say they expect the state to have bad economic times in the next 12 months (good times: 32% adults, 37% likely voters). The share saying they expect bad times ahead has been similar since July 2022 (68%), but has risen since April 2021, when 44 percent said this. Today, overwhelming majorities of Republicans (84%) and independents (74%) say this, compared to half of Democrats (50%). About six in ten or more across demographic and regional groups expect bad economic times in the next year.
More than six in ten Californians expect bad economic times in the next 12 months
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Surveys, 1999–2023.
Californians are much more pessimistic about the country. About seven in ten adults (70%) and likely voters (72%) say things are going in the wrong direction, while fewer than three in ten say things are going in the right direction (29% adults, 28% likely voters). A majority has said the US is going in the wrong direction since February 2022 (56%); this share has been rising since summer 2021 (43%). Today, majorities across partisan groups and solid majorities across demographic and regional groups say things are going in the wrong direction. In a similar question asked in a recent Reuters/Ipsos survey, 69 percent of adults nationwide said things are on the wrong track (13% headed in the right direction).
Seven in ten think things in the US are going in the wrong direction
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, September 2023. Survey was fielded from August 25–September 5, 2023 (n=1,671 adults, n=1,146 likely voters).
Economic Conditions and Personal Finances
About half of Californians think the economy in their local area will be about the same six months from now, while nearly four in ten expect it to be weaker and about one in ten say it will be stronger. Across the state’s regions, those in the Inland Empire are the most pessimistic, while those in the San Francisco Bay Area are the least pessimistic. There are minimal differences across age, education, income, and racial/ethnic groups. Notably, some of the largest differences emerge across parties, with Republicans (55%) twice as likely as Democrats (26%) to say their local economy will be weaker in the next six months; 45 percent of independents hold this view.
Californians are somewhat more optimistic about their personal finances. A majority (55%) say they expect their personal finances to be about the same in six months, while one in five expect them to be stronger (3% much stronger, 16% somewhat stronger) and one in four expect them to be weaker (19% somewhat weaker, 6% much weaker). More than one in three lower-income residents expect their personal finances to be weaker (25% somewhat weaker, 10% much weaker), while fewer than two in ten higher-income residents say the same.
Half of adults think the economy in their local area will be about the same six months from now
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, September 2023. Survey was fielded from August 25–September 5, 2023 (n=1,671 adults, n=1,146 likely voters).
When asked how they feel about making purchases today compared to six months ago, most Californians say they are less comfortable: 75 percent say they are less comfortable making major purchases like a home or a car, and 65 percent say they are less comfortable making other household purchases.
When it comes to major purchases, solid majorities across parties, regions, and demographic groups say they are less comfortable than they were six months ago. Across regions, residents in the Inland Empire (85%) are the most likely to say they feel less comfortable, while those in the San Francisco Bay Area (66%) are the least likely to feel this way. Those without a college degree (82%) are far more likely than college graduates (62%) to say they are less comfortable now. Seven in ten or more across racial/ethnic groups say they are less comfortable making a major purchase now than they were six months ago.
When it comes to making other household purchases, a similar regional trend emerges, with Inland Empire residents (73%) the most likely to be less comfortable and the San Francisco Bay Area residents (54%) the least likely to feel this way. Those without a college degree (72%) are far more likely than college graduates (52%) to say they are less comfortable. Majorities across racial/ethnic groups say they are less comfortable making other household purchases now than they were six months ago.
Notably, majorities across parties are less comfortable making both kinds of purchases, although there is a wide partisan divide. On making major purchases, Republicans (82%) and independents (80%) are much more likely than Democrats (69%) to feel less comfortable; the gap is even wider for making other household purchases (81% Republicans, 64% independents, 53% Democrats). Majorities across income groups are less comfortable making both kinds of purchases, with lower-income residents feeling this way much more often than higher-income residents.
Solid majorities feel less comfortable making major or other household purchases now compared to six months ago
% less comfortable
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, September 2023. Survey was fielded from August 25–September 5, 2023 (n=1,671 adults, n=1,146 likely voters).
One in five Californians say they, someone in their family, or someone else they know personally lost their job in the last six months as a result of economic conditions. Across racial/ethnic groups, Latinos (26%) are the most likely to say this, while whites (15%) are the least likely. The share with someone in their life experiencing job loss is higher among renters (26%) than homeowners (15%). However, it is similar across income and education levels. Residents in Orange/San Diego are the least likely to say they, someone in their family, or someone they know personally has lost their job (16%), while residents in the San Francisco Bay area are the most likely (23%).
Looking ahead to the next six months, only 6 percent say it is extremely or very likely that they, someone in their family, or someone they know will lose their job in the next six months as a result of economic conditions, while 30 percent say it is somewhat likely, 43 percent say not very likely, and 20 percent say not at all likely. One in ten or fewer across parties, regions, and demographic groups—with the exception of the Inland Empire (16%)—think it is extremely or very likely they or someone they know will lose their job in the next six months.
Two in ten say they or someone in their household has lost a job in the last six months
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, September 2023. Survey was fielded from August 25–September 5, 2023 (n=1,671 adults, n=1,146 likely voters).
Mental Health Policy
Eighty-seven percent of Californians think there is a mental health crisis in the US today, while few (12%) say there is not. Californians’ views are similar to views held nationally—in an October 2022 CNN/Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) poll, 90 percent of adults nationwide said mental health is a crisis in the US. Today there is partisan agreement on this issue, with 85 percent or more of Democrats, Republicans, and independents saying there is a mental health crisis. Overwhelming majorities across demographic and regional groups say this.
Most Californians say there is a mental health crisis in the US today
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, September 2023. Survey was fielded from August 25–September 5, 2023 (n=1,671 adults, n=1,146 likely voters).
A majority of Californians (56%) say they have heard nothing at all about the new 988 hotline that helps connect people with mental health services; about a quarter say they have heard a little (24%), and a quarter say they have heard at least some (4% a lot, 17% some). Half or more across partisan, demographic, and regional groups say they have heard nothing at all.
While most have not heard much about this hotline, after reading a summary of what 988 is, about six in ten adults say they would be very or somewhat likely to call the 988 hotline if they or a loved one were experiencing a mental health crisis. About two in ten or more across partisan groups say they are very likely to call the hotline. One in three African Americans say this, followed by about a quarter of Latinos, about two in ten whites, and 14 percent of Asian Americans. The shares saying they are very likely to call increases with age (14% of those age 18 to 34 compared to 27% of those 55 and older). Lower-income adults are somewhat more likely than adults with higher incomes to say this. Adults with only a high school education are slightly more likely than college graduates to say they would call.
Californians are just as likely as adults nationwide to say they have heard nothing at all about the hotline (56%) and less likely than adults nationwide to say they are very or somewhat likely to call it (85%), according to the CNN/KFF poll.
A solid majority say they are at least somewhat likely to call the 988 mental health hotline
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, September 2023. Survey was fielded from August 25–September 5, 2023 (n=1,671 adults, n=1,146 likely voters).
When asked to describe their own mental health or emotional well-being, about half of adults report an excellent (18%) or very good rating (31%), about a third rate themselves as good (32%), and fewer describe their mental health as only fair (14%) or poor (4%). Californians are more likely than adults nationwide (46%) to say their mental health is excellent or very good, according to the October CNN/KFF poll. Today, Republicans are roughly twice as likely as Democrats and independents to say their mental health is excellent. Roughly one in ten or fewer across demographic and regional groups say this.
An overwhelming majority of adults say they are able to cope very (38%) or somewhat well (48%) with things that are currently affecting their mental health or emotional well-being. Overwhelming majorities of adults nationwide (78%) say they are able to cope very or somewhat well, according to the CNN/KFF poll. However, Californians are more likely than adults nationwide to say they can cope very well (38% vs. 13%). A strong majority say they are very (28%) or somewhat (40%) comfortable talking to relatives and friends about their mental health—and shares are similar nationwide (26% very comfortable, 38% somewhat comfortable).
Asked about the coronavirus pandemic, nearly four in ten (37%) adults say the pandemic has had a negative impact on their own mental health. Four in ten parents in the state say the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected their children’s mental health. Californians are somewhat less likely than adults across the nation (47% CNN/KFF poll) to say this.
Immigration Policy
California is home to 10.5 million immigrants, who make up 23 percent of the foreign-born population nationwide. When Californians are asked whether immigration is a good thing or a bad thing for the US, about seven in ten adults (69%) say it is a good thing. Partisans are widely divided, with Democrats (82%) about twice as likely as Republicans (39%) to view immigration favorably (73% of independents say it is a good thing). Two in three or more across regions say immigration is a good thing. Solid majorities across demographic groups hold a positive view of immigration. A recent Gallup poll found a similar 68 percent nationwide saying it is a good thing.
About seven in ten say immigration is a good thing for the US
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, September 2023. Survey was fielded from August 25–September 5, 2023 (n=1,671 adults, n=1,146 likely voters).
When asked if immigration should be kept at its present level, increased, or decreased, four in ten Californians say immigration should be kept at its present level. Slightly fewer (36%) say it should be decreased and about one in four (24%) say it should be increased. Across parties, a plurality of Democrats (44%) and independents (43%) say it should be kept at its current level, while nearly seven in ten Republicans (69%) say immigration should be decreased. Americans in the recent Gallup poll were more likely to say that immigration should be decreased (41%, 31% kept at present level, 26% increased).
Twenty-seven percent of Californians view the situation at the US border as a “crisis,” 37 percent see it as a major problem, 27 percent call it a minor problem, and 8 percent say it is not a problem. And when asked how sympathetic they are to people from other countries who travel to the border in an attempt to enter the US, about seven in ten are very (27%) or somewhat sympathetic (44%), while about three in ten are somewhat (16%) or very unsympathetic (12%).
When asked how important of a goal taking in civilian refugees or increasing security along the US-Mexico border is, similar shares say each of these is a very important goal. Thirty-two percent say taking in civilian refugees from countries where people are trying to escape violence and war should be a very important goal, while 44 percent say it is somewhat important and one in four say it is not too (15%) or not at all important (8%). Nearly half of Democrats say this is a very important goal, while fewer Republicans and independents hold this view.
Thirty-six percent of Californians say that increasing security along the US-Mexico border to reduce unauthorized crossings should be a very important goal; 37 percent say it should be somewhat important and about one in four say it should be not too (19%) or not at all important (6%). Republicans are about twice as likely as independents and nearly four times as likely as Democrats to call this a very important goal.
About three in ten say taking in civilian refugees is a very important goal and a third say this about increasing border security
% very important goal
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, September 2023. Survey was fielded from August 25–September 5, 2023 (n=1,671 adults, n=1,146 likely voters).
In recent months, Texas and Florida state governments have sent migrants to California, with most arriving in Los Angeles via bus and others arriving in Sacramento via airplane. Most Californians report hearing a lot (31%) or some (36%) about this, while one in three report hearing not much (19%) or nothing at all (14%) about this. When asked if they approve or disapprove of state governments sending migrants to California cities, an overwhelming majority (73%) say they disapprove (25% approve). Solid majorities across parties disapprove, and Democrats are the most likely to hold this view. Strong majorities across regions and demographic groups disapprove, with disapproval increasing with rising age, education, and income levels.
Overwhelming majorities disapprove of other state governments sending migrants to cities in California
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, September 2023. Survey was fielded from August 25–September 5, 2023 (n=1,671 adults, n=1,146 likely voters).
2024 Elections
This summer has seen a flurry of political and legal activity with implications for the 2024 elections. The Republican presidential primary candidates had a televised debate, and former President Donald Trump was indicted on federal and state charges of interfering in the 2020 election. In this context, about four in ten likely voters are satisfied (5% very, 37% somewhat) with the way that democracy is working in the US (39% not too, 19% not at all). In February, nearly half were satisfied (10% very, 38% somewhat). Today, fewer than half across political parties are satisfied. A strong majority of likely voters have a great deal (40%) or quite a lot (25%) of confidence in the system in which votes are cast and counted in California elections (17% some, 18% very little). Last September, 50 percent had a “great deal” and 13 percent had quite a lot of confidence. Today, Democrats are much more likely than other voters to have a great deal of confidence in California’s election system.
The race to replace Senator Dianne Feinstein begins with the March top-two primary. More than four in ten voters are supporting one of three Democratic congressmembers: Adam Schiff (20%), Katie Porter (15%), and Barbara Lee (8%). In July, the same three candidates were each polling in the teens—Katie Porter (19%), Adam Schiff (16%), and Barbara Lee (13%). Today, other candidates, including Republicans, are each receiving 5 percent or less of the vote, while 16 percent are undecided. Among Democrats, Schiff (28%) leads Porter (22%) and Lee (14%). Among independents, Schiff (21%) also leads Porter (16%) and Lee (6%). Republican likely voters favor Republican candidates James Bradley and Eric Early (14% each), while one in five (20%) are undecided, and only 5 percent would vote for Lee, Porter, or Schiff. Still, it is currently far from certain who the top two will be.
Congressman Adam Schiff is leading among three Democratic candidates in the US Senate primary race
Top 5 candidates
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, September 2023. Survey was fielded from August 25-September 5, 2023 (n=1,671 adults, n=1,146 likely voters).
NOTES: *Other candidates includes the “someone else (specify)” response option and any candidates below the top five. Among likely voters only.
In the wake of the August indictments, nearly half (48%) of California Republican likely voters say they would vote for former President Donald Trump in the March Republican presidential primary. Trump was supported by 50 percent of Republican likely voters in the June and July PPIC surveys. Today, support among Republican likely voters for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is at 14 percent, while fewer than 10 percent support each of the other candidates. Sixteen percent say they will vote for someone aside from the top five leading candidates , while only 1 percent say they don’t know who they will vote for. Trump leads DeSantis by 46 points among those with no college degree (57% to 11%) and by a smaller margin among college graduates (27% to 21%). Trump leads DeSantis by a wide margin among conservatives (53% to 16%).
Close to half of Republican likely voters would vote for Donald Trump if the Republican presidential primary were held today
Top 5 candidates
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, September 2023. Survey was fielded from August 25-September 5, 2023 (n=1,671 adults, n=1,146 likely voters).
NOTES: *Other candidates includes the “someone else (specify)” response option and any candidates below the top five. Among Republican likely voters only.
If the 2024 presidential election is a rematch of the 2020 election, likely voters in California would choose Joe Biden over Donald Trump by a 31-point margin (57% to 26%). Results were similar in July (57% Biden, 31% Trump) and June (58% Biden, 25% Trump). The 2023 PPIC survey results are consistent with the landslide victory for the Democratic candidate in the 2020 California election (63.5% Biden, 34.3% Trump). Today, among likely voters, 87 percent of Democrats support Biden, while 73 percent of Republicans support Trump, half of independents support the Democratic candidate (50% Biden, 20% Trump). Biden leads Trump by a 46-point margin among college graduates (65% to 19%). Interestingly, 6 percent of Democrats, 11 percent of Republicans, and 23 percent of independents say they would vote for “someone else” (12% among all likely voters), while 2 percent of likely voters say they would vote for neither candidate or would not vote for president.
Joe Biden is leading Donald Trump by a wide margin in the presidential race
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, September 2023. Survey was fielded from August 25-September 5, 2023 (n=1,671 adults, n=1,146 likely voters).
NOTE: Among likely voters only.
Lastly, a new piece of legislation (AB 421) permits a qualified referendum to be withdrawn from the ballot to take referendums off the November ballot. In our September survey, 56 percent say they would vote “yes” to approve the 2022 law that authorized the creation of a council to set minimum wage and working standards for fast-food workers; we found the same result in June (56%). However, new legislation (AB 1228) has led its proponents to agree to withdraw it from the November ballot by the deadline of January 1, 2024.
Sixty percent of likely voters would vote yes to approve the 2022 law that prohibits new oil and gas wells near homes, schools, and hospitals—similar to what we saw in July (64%)—but this referendum could also be withdrawn if there is a compromise between the proponents and legislature that results in new legislation by the June 27 deadline.
Notably, the new legislation regarding referendums (AB 421) also changes the referendum ballot labels to say “keep the law” (from yes) and “overturn the law” (from no), and PPIC surveys will have this wording in future polls. The new legislation also requires disclosure of the referendum funders. In the context of this new legislation, 77 percent of likely voters in the September PPIC survey say that changes (28% major, 49% minor) are needed in the referendum process, while 77 percent of likely voters in the June survey agreed (27% strongly, 50% somewhat) that “referendums are often too complicated and confusing for voters to understand what happens if the referendums pass.” Ninety-six percent said that the referendum process is “controlled by special interests” (56% a lot, 40% some).
State and Federal Approval Ratings
Amid news that Governor Newsom completed a $311 billion state budget deal and agreed to a debate with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, majorities of adults (53%) and likely voters (56%) approve of the way that the governor is handling his job. Shares were similar last September (52% adults, 55% likely voters), prior to 59 percent voting for his reelection in November 2022. Today, partisans remain deeply divided with nearly eight in ten Democrats (78%) approving of Governor Newsom, compared to 48 percent of independents and 15 percent of Republicans. Majorities approve across gender, homeownership, income, and racial/ethnic groups—with the exception of nearly half of whites. Approval varies across education groups (48% high school or less, 51% some college, 60% college graduate). Majorities in Los Angeles (58%), the San Francisco Bay Area (63%), and Orange/San Diego (51%) approve of Governor Newsom, compared to fewer than half in the Central Valley (45%) and Inland Empire (42%).
Forty-six percent of adults and 48 percent of likely voters approve of the way the state legislature is handling its job. Approval ratings for the legislature were similar last September (49% adults, 47% likely voters). Today, partisans remain deeply divided, with 69 percent of Democrats approving of the state legislature, compared to 36 percent of independents and 13% of Republicans. Fewer than half approve across age, gender, homeownership, and income groups. About half approve among African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinos, about four in ten among whites (42%) do so. College graduates (51%) are more likely than groups with less formal education to approve. Approval of the legislature is higher among those in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles than elsewhere.
A majority approves of the governor, while fewer than half approve of the state legislature
% approve
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Surveys, 2019–2023.
California adults are divided on approval of Joe Biden’s handling of his job as president of the United States (49% each approve and disapprove). However, among likely voters, a majority (53%) approves of President Biden (47% disapprove). Approval among all adults was similar last September (53% adults, 53% likely voters). This is the first time that fewer than half have approved of President Biden since he began his term in office. Today, partisans remain deeply divided, with 76 percent of Democrats, 43 percent of independents, and 14 percent of Republicans approving of President Biden. A majority of African Americans (65%) and Asian Americans (55%) approve, followed by fewer than half of Latinos (48%) and whites (47%). roval varies across education groups (45% high school or less, 43% some college, 60% college graduate) and age groups (46% 18 to 24, 50% 35 to 54, 53% 55 and over). Across regions, half or more in the three coastal regions approve compared to less than half in other regions. In a recent Gallup poll of US adults, 42 percent approved and 53 percent disapproved of President Biden.
Approval of the US Congress is far lower than other approval ratings, with 23 percent of adults and 18 percent of likely voters approving of the way it is handling its job (disapprove: 74% adults, 81% likely voters). Approval of Congress was higher last September (39% adults, 34% likely voters) before party control changed from Democratic to Republican leadership after the November midterm election. Approval of Congress has never been above 50 percent since PPIC started asking this question in October 2005. Today, partisans agree in their overwhelming disapproval of Congress (71% Democrats, 81% independents, 83% Republicans). Strong majorities across age, gender, homeownership, income, racial/ethnic, and regional groups disapprove. Views among Californians are similar to the opinions of the nation as a whole, according to a recent Gallup poll in which 19 percent of US adults approved and 78 percent disapproved of the way that Congress is handling its job.
A majority approves of President Biden, while approval of US Congress continues to decline
% approve
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Surveys, 2021–2023.
After an eventful year of judicial decisions, 30 percent of both adults and likely voters approve of the way that the US Supreme Court is handling its job, while a strong majority disapproves (68% adults, 69% likely voters). In February, 37 percent of adults and 36 percent of likely voters approved of the Supreme Court. Approval was much higher the first time that PPIC asked this question in January 2017 (57% adults, 53% likely voters), which was prior to recent changes in Supreme Court justices. Today, partisans remain divided, with 58 percent of Republicans approving, compared to 28 percent of independents and 18 percent of Democrats. Fewer than four in ten across major demographic groups and regions approve of the way that the Supreme Court is handling its job.
A majority of Californians approve of Governor Newsom and half approve of President Biden; fewer than half approve of the state legislature, US Congress, and the Supreme Court
% approval
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, September 2023. Survey was fielded from August 25–September 5, 2023 (n=1,671 adults, n=1,146 likely voters).
We also asked about approval of three decisions by the Supreme Court in the past year. About one in four approve of its decision to overturn Roe v. Wade (27% each of adults and likely voters), about four in ten approve of denying services to same-sex customers seeking a wedding website (39% adults, 43% likely voters), and about half approve of restricting the use of race as a factor in college admissions (48% adults, 52% likely voters). Partisans are deeply divided about all three of these Supreme Court decisions. There is a 52-percentage-point difference in the approval of Republicans (61%) and Democrats (9%) in the overturning of Roe v. Wade; a 53-point difference in the approval of denying services to same-sex customers seeking a wedding website (76% Republicans, 23% Democrats); and a 48-point margin in the approval of restricting the use of race as a factor in college admissions (81% Republicans, 33% Democrats).
Majorities across demographic groups and regions disapprove of the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, with liberals (93%), Asian Americans (79%), and college graduates (79%) most likely to disapprove. Majorities across demographic groups and regions also disapprove of the decision to deny services to same-sex couples seeking a wedding website.
Some demographic groups are more divided on the US Supreme Court decision restricting the use of race as a factor in college admissions. A solid majority of African Americans (63%) disapprove, compared to about half of Latinos (52%) and Asian Americans (51%); 44 percent of whites disapprove of this decision. A majority of adults ages 18 to 34 (53%) and 35 to 54 (52%) disapprove, compared to less than half of adults 55 and older (42%). More than half in the San Francisco Bay Area (59%) and Los Angeles (52%) disapprove, while fewer in other regions disapprove of the decision (46% in the Central Valley, 44% in Orange/San Diego, and 41% in the Inland Empire).
Related to the public opinion trends on two of these decisions, state voters defeated a measure to allow diversity as a factor in public employment, education, and contracting decisions in November 2020 (Proposition 16: 43% yes, 57% no), and state voters approved a state ballot measure on the constitutional right to reproductive freedom in November 2022 (Proposition 1: 67% yes, 33% no). California voters will be asked to approve a ballot measure on marriage equality in March 2024.