Steve Hilton Emphasizes Principled Policies Amid California’s Political Landscape

Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton spoke at a town hall in Los Angeles, articulating his housing plans and critiquing his Democratic opponent Xavier Becerra. Hilton differentiated himself from President Trump, who is unpopular in California, even as he acknowledged some alignment with him.

Speaking on Trump

Running as a Republican in California poses challenges due to a strong Democratic electorate. While Trump endorsed Hilton, helping him secure a spot in the primary, Hilton expressed differing views on several federal issues. He criticized federal funding cuts to the University of California, potential withdrawal of Customs and Border Protection agents, and federal investments in local companies. Hilton emphasized his firm belief in states’ rights and reducing federal power.

Addressing Cost of Living

Hilton described the state’s cost of living as a major issue, leading residents and businesses to leave California. He outlined a plan to address affordability, which includes:

• Eliminating income taxes for residents earning $150,000 or less.
• Reducing regulations on the oil industry to achieve $3 gas prices and lower electricity bills.
• Initiating a large-scale development of single-family homes.

Hilton blamed Democrats for the state’s affordability issue and advocated for exploring building in undeveloped areas. He criticized current laws restricting housing developments.

Budget Management

Hilton pledged to revert to pre-pandemic budget levels, criticizing Democratic spending under Governor Newsom. The budget grew significantly amid population decline, according to Hilton. He proposed savings through ending high-speed rail projects, reducing state agency budgets, addressing Medicaid fraud, and eliminating state-funded health care for undocumented immigrants.

Criticizing Becerra

Hilton criticized Becerra’s absence from the town hall and questioned his record as U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary. Hilton expressed a desire for further debates, noting only one had occurred thus far.

Environmental Policies

Despite Republican criticism, Hilton positioned himself as environmentally conscious. He proposed methods to address climate change, focusing on practical solutions like:

• Planting 3 billion trees and restoring wetlands.
• Utilizing geothermal energy in certain regions.
• Expanding California’s oil production.

He strongly opposed offshore wind projects, viewing them as detrimental to California’s coastlines.

Working with Democrats

Hilton emphasized his ability to collaborate with a Democratic legislature. Drawing on past experience as an advisor in the UK, he stressed working across party lines to address state issues, including reducing legislative costs and finding shared solutions with key Democrats in the state.