Prop 32, which would have brought the state’s minimum wage up to $18 per hour, was the first minimum-wage measure to lose at the ballot in almost three decades.

Opponents said the rejection of Proposition 32 was a sign that Californians were unwilling to pay the higher prices that often accompany increases in the minimum wage. Californians, who have historically supported efforts to raise the minimum wage, were not swayed this time around.

Opponents of the measure, including the California Chamber of Commerce, said it would have increased costs, led to higher taxes, and pushed businesses to cut jobs.