Steve Hilton, the Republican candidate for California governor, unveiled his general election campaign strategy in Los Angeles, presenting a dual message aimed at appealing to the state’s predominantly Democratic electorate while maintaining support from the Republican base.
Hilton centered his campaign launch on California’s cost-of-living crisis, pledging to reduce gasoline prices to $3 per gallon from current levels, cut utility bills in half, and eliminate state income taxes on the first $150,000 in earnings. He attributed the state’s challenges—including homelessness and declining student test scores—to Democratic governance and described the current administration as a “rotten regime that has abandoned the working class.” The campaign event took place at a burned warehouse in Los Angeles that Hilton characterized as emblematic of the state’s political dysfunction.
Recognizing California’s political landscape, where registered Republicans are outnumbered nearly 2-to-1 by Democrats and no Republican has won a statewide office since 2006, Hilton attempted to distance himself from President Trump’s unpopularity in the state while avoiding an outright break. Trump has lost California by significant margins in recent presidential elections, and state Democrats have effectively used him as a rallying point in campaigns. Hilton stated the election should focus on what voters love about California rather than political figures they oppose in Washington.
Hilton’s Democratic opponent, Xavier Becerra, rejected the separation strategy, characterizing Hilton as Trump’s proxy. Becerra’s campaign spokesman argued that Hilton’s policy positions would replicate Trump’s approach and blamed the president for cost increases affecting California families through tariffs and other economic policies.
The race occurs amid multiple crises confronting California, including persistent homelessness, projected budget deficits, high housing costs, insurance market disruptions, and what residents describe as some of the nation’s highest gas, tax, and utility rates. Hilton, a former adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron who has never held elected office, would face significant obstacles in implementing his agenda, particularly given Democratic control of the state legislature and the governor’s limited authority over energy markets.
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