Hello, Californians! I’m Lorenzo V. Hernandez, a lifelong resident of our Golden State, and I’m running for Governor in 2026 to Restore California, Rebuilding Together. I’ve filed my intent with the Secretary of State, and now I need your endorsement to get on the ballot. It doesn’t matter how you’re registered to vote—every signature brings us closer to fixing what’s broken, starting with the crushing gas prices that hit working families hardest. Born in El Centro and raised in Huron, I’ve worked in fields, factories, real estate, the IRS, and as an entrepreneur. I’ve seen California’s greatness and its struggles up close. Today, I’m calling on you to join me in tackling one of our state’s most pressing issues: sky-high gas prices.
Why Are Gas Prices So High in California?
California’s gas prices are among the highest in the nation, averaging $4.82 per gallon in May 2025, compared to the national average of $3.15—a staggering $1.67 gap. In some counties like Mono and Alpine, prices exceed $5.80, and experts warn they could climb to $8.43 by 2026 if current trends continue. Historically, the gap wasn’t always this wide. In 2000, California’s gas prices were just 35 cents above the national average in today’s dollars, largely due to higher taxes. Today, the causes are more complex, driven by state policies, regulations, and infrastructure challenges.
The Role of State Policies and Taxes
California levies the nation’s highest gas taxes and fees, totaling about $1.64 per gallon. This includes a state excise tax of 61.2 cents per gallon (set to rise annually with inflation), a 10-cent sales tax, and a 2-cent underground storage tank fee, alongside federal taxes of 18.4 cents. Environmental programs like the Cap-and-Trade and Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) add up to 54 cents per gallon, with proposed LCFS updates potentially increasing costs by 65 cents by July 2025. The state’s unique CARBOB gasoline blend, mandated since 2003 to reduce pollution, adds roughly 15 cents per gallon due to higher production costs.
Additionally, California’s isolated fuel market—lacking pipelines to other states—relies on in-state refineries for over 90% of its gasoline. Refinery closures, like those of Phillips 66 and Valero by 2026, will reduce capacity by 8.6%, tightening supply and driving prices higher. Legislation like SBX1-2 and ABX2-1, which impose profit caps and minimum inventory requirements, further strain refiners, who pass costs to consumers. Since 2018, over 360 energy companies have left California, citing regulatory hostility, exacerbating supply shortages.
Impact on Working Families
High gas prices hit middle-class and lower-income Californians hardest. For a family earning $60,000 a year, filling a 15-gallon tank weekly at $4.82 costs over $3,750 annually—nearly $1,000 more than in states like Texas. This strains budgets, forcing tough choices between fuel, groceries, or childcare. Higher transportation costs also raise prices for food, goods, and services, compounding the cost-of-living crisis. In 2022, when prices hit $6.39 per gallon, the gap with the national average reached $2.50, underscoring the burden on working families.
Expert-Recommended Solutions
Experts agree on several practical solutions to ease gas prices, which align with my commitment to immediate action:
Increase Supply Access: Exploring limited pipeline connections or incentivizing imports during shortages could mitigate price spikes.
Reduce the Gas Tax: Lowering the state excise tax, even temporarily, would provide instant relief. A rollback to the national average of 28 cents per gallon could save consumers over 30 cents per gallon.
Suspend or Reform Environmental Regulations: Temporarily suspending ABX2-1’s inventory mandates or capping Cap-and-Trade and LCFS costs at 65 cents per gallon could reduce prices by 4-5 cents per gallon. Standardizing fuel blends with national standards could cut production costs by 10-15 cents.
Incentivize Refinery Operations: Offering investment tax credits or regulatory relief could prevent further closures, stabilizing supply.
My Plan to Fix the Problem
As Governor, I’ll act swiftly to reduce gas prices and ease the burden on families. My first step will be to immediately reduce the gas tax by the maximum feasible amount, putting money back in your pocket. I’ll work with the legislature to review costly regulations like the LCFS and Cap-and-Trade, balancing environmental goals with affordability. We’ll incentivize refineries to stay operational, ensuring a stable fuel supply. By personally visiting communities statewide, I’ll listen to your concerns and ensure our policies reflect your needs. I’ll also return budget-making power to the legislature, ensuring your tax dollars are spent transparently by your elected representatives.
A Vision for a Restored California
Growing up in Huron, I worked in the fields, learning the value of hard work and community. My journey—from crop contractor to entrepreneur—taught me that California’s strength lies in its people. I’ve seen our state’s glory as the “breadbasket of the world” and its struggles today. High gas prices are just one piece of a larger puzzle, alongside homelessness, water shortages, and crumbling infrastructure. My campaign is about action: tackling these issues head-on, empowering voters (only 50% turned out in 2022), and reviving agriculture to restore our prosperity.
Join me to Restore California, Rebuilding Together. Endorse, donate, or volunteer at [insert campaign website link]. Let’s make California affordable again, starting with the pump. Together, we’ll rebuild a Golden State where every family can thrive.