California Voters Reject $18 Minimum Wage Proposal

California voters narrowly rejected Proposition 32, which proposed to raise the minimum wage to $18 per hour by 2026, marking the first failure of a statewide minimum wage measure in nearly 30 years. The vote was 50.82% against to 49.18% in favor, signaling a potential shift towards more conservative policies in the traditionally liberal state. Opponents of the measure, including the California Chamber of Commerce, expressed concerns over increased costs and economic burdens on businesses, while proponents argued it would benefit millions of workers in low-wage jobs. In contrast, voters in some red states approved minimum wage increases and paid sick leave, reflecting a mixed national sentiment on wage policies. Advocates for higher wages in California, such as businessman Joseph Sanberg, emphasized that the fight for better pay is not over despite the defeat. The close result indicates a growing concern among voters about the effects of inflation and cost of living increases on their financial stability.