California voters have turned down a ballot measure to raise the statewide minimum wage to $18 per hour by 2026, which would have been the nation’s highest. Opponents, including the California Chamber of Commerce, argued the measure would raise costs, increase taxes, and lead to job cuts.
“With the economy and costs top of mind for many voters this election, that message appears to have resonated,” said Jennifer Barrera, the chamber’s president and CEO.
Proponents of the measure, like Kathy Finn, president of Southern California’s UFCW 770, expressed disappointment, stating it would have benefited two million workers.
California’s current minimum wage is $16 for most employees and $20 in the fast-food sector. A separate law, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, will raise the minimum wage in the health care sector to $25 per hour.
Hawaii has also approved an $18 hourly wage, but it will not take effect until 2028. California already has over 40 cities and counties with minimum wages exceeding the statewide rate, with six surpassing $18 per hour as of this year.
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