Most Californians in new poll say state is headed in wrong direction

Most Californians in a new poll released Tuesday say the state is heading in the wrong direction.

A ​​UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll, co-sponsored by The Los Angeles Times, found 54 percent of respondents believed the state is going in the wrong direction, as 36 percent believe it is going in the right direction, the Los Angeles Times reported. 

The negative sentiment about the state’s direction comes as Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) approval rating has also fallen.

About 48 percent of residents polled approved of the governor’s job performance, while 47 percent disapproved, according to the survey. The Times reported his approval rating in September 2020 was at 64 percent. 

The top issues plaguing Newsom, who survived a recall election in September, include homelessness and crime. 

Sixty-six percent of voters surveyed say Newsom’s job on homelessness has been “poor” or “very poor” while only 18 percent say his job on the issue has been “fair.”

On crime, 51 percent of respondents said Newsom’s performance has been”poor” or “very poor”  while 20 percent say it’s been “good” or “excellent,” according to the poll. 

Newsom is seeing his highest approval rating around his response to the coronavirus, with 39 percent saying he’s done an excellent or good job and 18 percent saying he’s done a fair job. 

The poll results come ahead of a primary in May that Newsom is expected to win, and a reelection bid at the end of this year. 

The poll was conducted from Feb. 3 to Feb. 10 among 8,937 registered voters.