What Went Wrong in California? - Will Swaim (Video)
California is one of the richest places on earth—so why does it feel like so many things aren’t working?
In this 4 March 2026 published video, host Mike Rowe talks with Will Swaim, CEO of the California Policy Center, back to talk about what’s driving the state’s biggest headaches—from the cost of living and energy policy to homelessness spending, regulation, and the ripple effects of decisions made decades ago.
While one of the wealthiest states in the country, California is also a place where the cost of living keeps rising, businesses keep leaving, and the gap between intention and outcome seems to get wider every year. How did we get here, and why is persuasion harder than ever? We all want the same basic things—safe communities, affordable energy, decent schools, and a fair shot at building a life. The trouble starts when the policies designed to deliver those things wind up doing the opposite.
Along the way, Will and I chat about a few of the policies shaping life in the Golden State, the unintended consequences that followed, and what the rest of the country might want to pay attention to before adopting the same ideas. If you live in California—or if you’re wondering whether what’s happening there might show up where you live next—this one’s worth a listen.
https://youtu.be/wnHECZ_pvrc
00:00 What is really going on in California?
04:21 Why are people leaving?
09:50 Gas prices all over the nation
12:08 Unions and political campaigns
18:30 California’s high speed rail
22:35 Our failed educational system
25:28 Who is responsible for this mess?
29:36 The laws restricting our businesses
38:44 What will it take for us to leave?
39:31 Why Congress didn’t stand
46:31 My take on Congress
51:43 Why it should be unacceptable to be boring
58:54 Bring back consequences
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