California voters delivered a clear rejection of Proposition 40, the proposed one-time 5% wealth tax on billionaires, with early returns showing it trailing at roughly 44% support against 55-56% opposition. Opposing measures, particularly Proposition 42 banning new personal property taxes, maintained leads that would nullify the wealth tax under the ballot's conflict rules if both passed. Heavy spending by tech billionaires and venture capitalists, combined with opposition from Governor Gavin Newsom and segments of the Democratic establishment, shaped the outcome amid concerns over resident outflows and revenue volatility. Historical patterns of tax initiatives facing voter skepticism further reinforced trader consensus around the "No" outcome. Remaining uncounted ballots or post-election legal challenges represent the narrowest paths to any reversal.