What is California number 1 in?
From AI and clean energy to reproductive rights, California under Gavin Newsom is setting national standards in key areas.
California continues to lead the nation in most areas—everything from economic development and healthcare to climate resilience and civil rights. Under the leadership of Governor Gavin Newsom, the state has embraced a progressive and expansive approach to innovation, equity, and sustainability.
In his own words, California is the "tentpole of the American economy," and the numbers are on his side. The Golden State is leading in new business creation, AI innovation, and climate investment, and leading the way in access to reproductive health, inclusive policy, and innovative education systems.
Nation-leading economy and innovation
California is ranked #1 in the nation for new business creation, venture capital access, manufacturing, agriculture, and high technology. It boasts more Fortune 500 firms than any state and 35 of the world's top 50 AI firms. Tourism and travel also hit a record of $150.4 billion in spending. Along with these developments, California boasts the most well-balanced tax system and is the global research capital, with the University of California system receiving the greatest number of patents internationally.
The state's higher education system has the likes of Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UCLA, which are renowned internationally. Socioeconomically, 12 of the world's first 20 universities exist in California, of which CSU Los Angeles and UC Merced rank high. This education platform drives the innovation economy of California and renders it a global player.
California is considered one of the best states in the United States for its high level of development. Photo: The Desert Sun
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Equity, rights, and climate leadership
California has taken proactive legislative measures in the defense of reproductive freedom. More than 25 state bills have been enacted since the reversal of Roe v. Wade to safeguard access to abortion, birth control, and IVF. A constitutional amendment also protects those rights as secure, underpinned by more than $200 million in public investment.
In climate policy, the state committed $45 billion toward fighting global warming and increasing the resilience of infrastructure. Production of clean energy exceeded demand on 91 of 102 days in 2025 alone, thanks to 10,000 megawatts of battery storage capacity. The California energy grid is cleaner and more efficient than ever before, cementing its reputation as a climate policy leader.
