Carl DeMaio, a political commentator and activist based in California, posted a series of tweets on May 6 and 7, 2026, addressing key issues in the state’s political landscape. His posts focused on the ongoing gubernatorial race, opposition to proposed tax increases, and concerns over rising gas prices.
On May 6, DeMaio commented on the dynamics of the upcoming gubernatorial election: “As the field narrows in the 2026 CA governor’s race, the chances of a Republican shutout has been increasing. Political strategist Jon Fleischman joins us to talk about the importance of uniting behind a single candidate – WATCH: https://t.co/f92RCjDiUv https://t.co/LSZmup8DLu”. In this post, he highlighted concerns that a divided Republican field could lead to no GOP candidate advancing beyond California’s top-two primary system.
Later that day, DeMaio described his actions at a public hearing regarding tax policy: ‘”NO! The opposition voice will be heard!” That is what I shouted at a hearing this week when a bunch of paid lobbyists and left-wing NGOs showed up to back MASSIVE TAX HIKES on the little guy in CA! WATCH: https://t.co/SK0QuRM56A’. He expressed opposition to proposals for increased taxes and criticized advocacy by lobbyists and non-governmental organizations.
On May 7, DeMaio addressed energy costs in California: “Gas prices are already high in CA, but it’s expected to spike in the coming weeks as the last foreign oil tankers arrive in our ports. Dems will blame Trump and Iran, but here’s why it’s actually their own fault – WATCH: https://t.co/GioK2Nb4d4 https://t.co/2dbaIklKZo”. He predicted further increases in gas prices and argued that state policies were responsible for these anticipated spikes.
California’s top-two primary system advances only the two candidates with the most votes to the general election regardless of party affiliation. This system has previously resulted in elections where both finalists were from the same party. Additionally, debates over taxation remain prominent as lawmakers consider measures affecting cost-of-living issues across the state. Gasoline prices have historically been higher than national averages due to factors such as state taxes and environmental regulations.
