California has some of the nation’s strictest gun laws.
For example, the state bans assault weapons and has a 10-day waiting period for new gun purchases.
Even so, a new poll from the Public Policy Institute of California finds 70 percent of likely voters favor stronger gun controls. Only 24 percent of people surveyed think gun laws should stay the same.
The PPIC poll reveals support for tougher gun laws is strong even in more conservative parts of California like the Central Valley.
But institute president and CEO Mark Baldassare said the most surprising finding is support among Republicans.
He said a year ago, only a quarter of Republicans said gun laws should be stricter.
“That number doubled. And now, almost half of Republicans now joining overwhelming numbers of Democrats and independent voters in saying there should be some more strict gun controls," Baldassare said.
The poll also shows gun laws are an important issue to voters when choosing a candidate for governor.
“When we asked people what they would like to hear the candidates for governor talk about between now and the June Primary, immigration was the top issue, but coming in second was guns and gun control,” Baldassare said.
