California Gubernatorial Hopeful Xavier Becerra Opens Door to Mileage Tax, Drawing Ire

California gubernatorial hopeful Xavier Becerra has indicated openness to a mileage-based tax, a proposal that has ignited criticism from drivers concerned about the potential financial burden.

When asked about supporting a mileage tax as governor, Becerra stated, "Everything should be on the table." He explained, "Our roads aren’t maintained just by some magic wand. We have to pay for it." He added, "Should people who drive electric vehicles, who don’t need gas, pay for those roads to be repaired as well? Absolutely."

Becerra, a former California attorney general and Health and Human Services secretary in the Biden administration, is running to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom. His comments come as state officials are concluding a study on replacing the traditional gas tax with a fee based on miles driven.

The prospect of an additional charge is alarming many Californians already struggling with the state's high cost of living, particularly those who rely on their vehicles for their livelihoods.

Kenyatta Cole, a 62-year-old trucker from Los Angeles whose family has been in the trucking business for three generations, questioned the necessity of further taxation. "We already pay highway use tax in order to use the roads here in California," Cole told The California Post. "You’re taxing the poor. When is it gonna stop?"

Cole described how escalating fuel, insurance, and operating costs are significantly impacting his income, leaving little for his family. "We’re putting in 12 hours," he said, referring to his workdays. "It’s just to stay afloat."

This is not the first time Cole has voiced concerns about the financial pressures on truckers. In June, he reported that his three trucks consumed over $16,000 in diesel fuel in one month, alongside rising insurance costs and California's environmental regulations.

According to AAA, California's diesel prices reached a record $8.39 per gallon in September, a sharp increase from $5.17 the previous year. Cole noted that truckers are now working longer hours simply to cover basic operating expenses.

Herb Morgan, a Republican candidate for California state controller, observed the financial strain firsthand at a promotional event offering gasoline at $3 a gallon. Approximately 250 motorists lined up, with some unable to afford a full tank and purchasing only what their weekly budgets permitted.

"They can’t even afford to fill the tank," Morgan told The Post. "So they buy whatever they can spare. And these guys wanna add more tax."

Morgan criticized the proposal for potentially adding another tax without greater accountability for existing funds collected from motorists. "The state has ran out of ways to tax the rich, now they want to tax the poor," he stated.

Cole expressed his deep dissatisfaction with current political leadership, noting a trend of residents and businesses leaving California. "I’m just disgusted with these politicians," Cole said. "I used to love California, you know, and… But I’m to the point now, people are leaving. Jobs are leaving."