Xavier Becerra considers mileage tax for California drivers to fund roads

Democratic California gubernatorial hopeful Xavier Becerra stated that he is willing to consider a controversial mileage-based tax on drivers to pay for state road repairs, the New York Post reported. Becerra made the comments during an interview with Ashley Zavala of KCRA. [1][2]

The proposed policy would charge California drivers for every mile they travel. Becerra argued that everything should be on the table to fund infrastructure, noting that electric vehicle drivers who do not pay gas taxes should also contribute to repairing the roads they use. [1]

Becerra is competing against Republican candidate Steve Hilton in the 2026 California gubernatorial election, as FTMQ News reported earlier. Polls show Becerra maintaining a wide lead in the race, according to The Desert Sun, while AP News reported that Becerra recently urged voters to oppose Proposition 39. [4][5][8][9]

California became the 31st state in the United States on September 9, 1850. The state economy relies on agriculture, Silicon Valley technology, and Hollywood entertainment, reaching a gross domestic product of 4.1 trillion dollars in 2025. [7]