Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra has signaled openness to implementing a state mileage tax that would charge motorists for every mile driven, adding to existing cost-of-living burdens as affordability dominates voter concerns across California.
Under a potential mileage tax system, motorists would be required to pay the state based on the distance they travel, regardless of whether they operate a traditional gas-powered vehicle or an electric vehicle. Enforcing such a levy could require tracking systems to monitor driver mileage, raising potential privacy questions. The proposal comes as drivers already face California’s high gas tax of 63.4 cents per gallon, which is levied on top of federal gas taxes and local sales taxes.
Democratic lawmakers have blocked a proposed constitutional amendment introduced by Republican Assemblyman Carl DeMaio that would have given voters a direct opportunity to approve or reject a mileage tax at the ballot box.
Critics argue that the policy is designed primarily to backfill state revenue rather than improve transportation efficiency or curb emissions. State officials have faced declining gas tax revenue as more motorists shift to electric vehicles after previously being encouraged to purchase them with the promise of lower operating costs. With Sacramento politicians struggling to curb state spending, analysts point to an accumulation of fiscal pressures facing residents. According to the California Taxpayers Association, voters are confronting 273 ballot measures aimed at raising taxes across the state, including redistribution proposals like the Proposition 40 billionaire tax.
Opponents contend that Sacramento should instead focus on reining in state spending and cutting wasteful programs to fund road maintenance without imposing additional levies. The debate has emerged as a central dividing line in the gubernatorial contest, with alternative candidates pledging to cut the existing gas tax and block any new mileage fees.
