A new statewide survey shows that water reliability and affordability have become a defining issue for California voters ahead of the state’s November 2026 gubernatorial election. The poll, conducted by FM3 Research for the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), a group representing approximately 470 public water agencies that together deliver about 90% of the water used across the state, found that 77% of likely November 2026 voters are more inclined to support a candidate who makes water a priority, a view shared across the political spectrum. Support for a water focused candidate reaches 83% among Democrats, 77% among independents and 67% among Republicans, according to the memo.