2026 MIDTERM ELECTIONS | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3

California · Ballot measure · November 3, 2026

Proposition 38

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Authorizes Bonds for Immunology Medical Research.

Initiative statute · California (statewide) · Verified from official source

Official ballot information

From the California official election authority. Last verified 2026-10-17.

Official summary
Authorizes $8.4 billion in general obligation bonds for immunology and immunotherapy research, half to a single University of California-affiliated nonprofit medical research institute, half to research grants. Fiscal Impact: Increased state cost of $500 million to $600 million annually for about 20 years to repay the research bond, with some or all of the cost offset if the funded research generates revenue.
A YES vote means
The state could borrow $8.4 billion to support medical research in immunology and immunotherapy conducted by California research institutes and universities.
A NO vote means
The state could not borrow $8.4 billion to support medical research in immunology and immunotherapy conducted by California research institutes and universities.
Fiscal impact
Not listed in the source reviewed.
Official links
Official voter guide page
Full text of proposed law (PDF)
Legislative analyst's analysis

Ballot arguments

Short argument summaries printed in the official guide. They are submitted by the measure's proponents or opponents and are advocacy, not official findings.

In favor

YES on 38 supports life-saving immunology research to cure and prevent diseases like cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s. Strong accountability including independent audits. Mandates 20% Rx discount. Designed to ensure no cost to taxpayers. YES on 38 could save your life and someone you love. Alzheimer’s Association, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research urge YES on 38! www.YESon38.com

Argument summary submitted by proponents, as printed in the Official Voter Information Guide. Source

Against

California should continue supporting biomedical research, but Proposition 38 is the wrong approach. It would commit taxpayers to decades of new bond debt while limiting California’s flexibility to address changing health priorities. Research funding should be guided through the normal budget process—not by ballot initiatives.

Argument summary submitted by opponents, as printed in the Official Voter Information Guide. Source

Official party recommendations

Democratic Party

Support

California Democratic Party (state level)

Official party source
Last checked 2026-10-17.

Republican Party

Support

California Republican Party (state level)

Official party source
Published 2026-04-29. Last checked 2026-10-17.

Official party recommendations are shown for information only. They are not the same as official ballot information, and Vote America does not endorse any measure or party.

Sources

Imported 2026-10-17T23:07:36Z. Provider: ca_sos.