California's candidates for governor are increasingly positioning themselves as pro-housing, driven by the growing influence of the Yes In My Backyard movement. This shift comes after a year when housing affordability dominated the election and lawmakers passed legislation to speed up housing production. The last time California had an open governor's race in 2018, the YIMBY movement was still in its early days. The movement, which advocates denser housing in urban areas, has evolved into a network of regional and statewide organizations advocating for this type of housing. While candidates agree that the state needs more housing, they differ on how to get it, with some focusing on streamlining permits and zoning changes.