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Jon Slavet enters California’s governor’s race, promising to prioritize affordability, housing and homelessness.
CALIFORNIA, USA — A new name has entered California’s governor’s race: Jon Slavet, a Bay Area republican, longtime CEO and entrepreneur. Slavet also hosts a podcast where he previously interviewed two of his now-opponents, Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton.
Slavet, a father of five, said the state’s challenges are “man-made,” rooted in years of poor policy decisions and argued that his business background positions him to help turn California around.
When asked what sets him apart from other candidates, Slavet said he’s running on his own ideas and not to serve a political party.
“I’m running to serve regular people,” he said, adding that he believes California politics has been structured to benefit special interests rather than residents.
Slavet criticized the performance of Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic lawmakers, saying California is falling behind.
“First in poverty, first in homelessness, first in unaffordability, first in high energy costs,” he said. He compared the state’s trajectory to a poorly run company, saying leadership would have been replaced in the private sector.
Pressed on his priorities if elected, Slavet pointed to affordability as his first focus. He said boosting housing supply is essential to lowering prices and called for an “all of the above” energy strategy that includes baseload power and renewable sources. He also emphasized homelessness, saying faster and more humane approaches are needed to help people living and dying on the street.
Slavet acknowledged that some voters may question whether a businessman is prepared for politics. He pointed to recent polling from Emerson College with high numbers of undecided voters and believes people across parties are open to something new.
“The people want something different, and I’m offering a totally fresh perspective,” he said.
Slavet described himself as a conservative but said he hopes to be a unifier. He said issues like energy costs, housing and homelessness are social justice concerns that affect everyone, regardless of party.
If elected, Slavet said he would work with the Legislature while holding firm on principles such as freedom and limiting government. He criticized what he called a “nanny state” approach but said collaboration is essential.
“My door will always be open,” he said, adding that a Republican governor would need cooperation to accomplish goals.
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