California has elected five consecutive Catholic governors, a streak that highlights the faith's enduring presence in the state's cultural and political fabric. The most recent, Democrat Xavier Becerra, a former U.S. health and human services secretary, has spoken about how his Catholic upbringing informs his politics, particularly the "sanctity of life." This stance, however, exists alongside his support for abortion rights, illustrating the complex relationship many American Catholics have with political labels.
David Gibson, director of Fordham University's Center on Religion and Culture, noted that unlike more politically monolithic religious groups such as white evangelicals for Republicans or Black Protestants for Democrats, "there is no Catholic vote." This diversity helps explain how Catholicism can be deeply rooted in California's identity, akin to Puritan Protestantism in New England, while its adherents hold a wide range of political views.
Catholic voters, particularly Latinos, were instrumental in Becerra's election, according to The Associated Press Voter Poll. He became California's first elected Latino governor. The state is home to more Catholics than any other U.S. state, with 25% of adults identifying as Catholic, according to a 2024 Pew Research Center poll. This demographic significance is woven into the state's history and culture, from the Spanish missions founded centuries ago to contemporary political debates.
The tenets of Catholic social teaching, which can encompass progressive economic ideas and opposition to the death penalty, alongside official stances against abortion and in vitro fertilization, rarely align neatly with partisan platforms. This theological complexity contributes to the varied voting patterns observed among Catholics.
Governor Gavin Newsom, for example, whose support for abortion rights conflicts with Catholic doctrine, was praised by the California Catholic Conference for his decision to commute more than 500 death sentences to life in prison. Newsom stated that "state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California’s values." This action reflects another facet of Catholic influence, where social justice issues, such as opposition to capital punishment, resonate deeply.
Within the church hierarchy in California, leaders have also navigated complex political landscapes. San Bernardino Bishop Alberto Rojas excused parishioners from weekly Mass obligations following immigration detentions on church property, while San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone barred U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi from receiving Communion due to her support for abortion rights. These actions showcase the varied responses of religious leaders to political issues.
Nationally, Catholics are split evenly between Democrats and Republicans, a slight shift from previous elections. In California, approximately 20% of voters in the governor's race were Catholic, with a majority favoring Becerra. Latino Catholics leaned heavily towards Becerra, while white Catholics were more divided. This ethnic diversity within the Catholic population, with many immigrants from Latin America and the Philippines, further contributes to the multifaceted political identity of Catholic voters.
The legacy of Catholicism in California also extends to its cultural landscape, including architecture and historical sites. The Spanish missions, though carrying a complicated history involving the mistreatment of Native Americans, remain significant landmarks and often serve as active parishes. The state's fourth-grade curriculum includes lessons on the missions, acknowledging both their historical role and the associated injustices, reflecting a contemporary reckoning with this legacy. Many Californians, regardless of their religious affiliation, feel a connection to these historical sites, which have influenced architectural styles and remain integral to the state's identity.