California Candidates Omitted From Voter Guide Over Spending Limits

Gubernatorial candidates Maria Becerra and Hilton, along with Attorney General Rob Bonta, are absent from California's 176-page voter guide. The candidates were omitted because they declined to agree to voluntary campaign spending limits, a requirement for including candidate statements in the official guide.

Under a system established by Proposition 34 in 2000, statewide candidates must adhere to spending caps to be eligible for the guide. The California Fair Political Practices Commission adjusts these limits every two years for inflation. For the current cycle, the spending cap is approximately $19.6 million for the governor's race and $11.8 million for the Attorney General's race.

While some social media users viewed the blank statements as a sign that the candidates are not serious about their bids, political analysts suggest the trio prioritized the ability to raise and spend additional funds over the visibility provided by the voter guide.