Steve Hilton Criticizes Xavier Becerra, Outlines Campaign Goals

Steve Hilton, the Republican candidate for California governor, has been vocal about his dislike for Xavier Becerra. In a conversation on Newsweek’s The 1600 podcast, Hilton described Becerra as lacking substance. The tension between the two escalated during their CNN debate on September 30. Becerra, who is of Mexican American descent, accused Hilton, who was born in London, of favoring immigrants of European descent. Hilton found Becerra’s comment absurd, pointing out his own immigrant background as the child of Hungarian refugees and highlighting his personal experience climbing the social ladder.

Hilton labeled Becerra as ‘smug’ and ’empty,’ referring to what Democrats who have worked with him reportedly say. Becerra’s decision to skip a Los Angeles Times forum further fueled Hilton’s criticism, who suggested voters statewide hear similar excuses from Becerra. Hilton’s background includes serving as a senior adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron and hosting a Fox News show. He became a U.S. citizen in 2021 and is campaigning to become the first Republican to hold statewide office in California since Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006. Despite California’s Democratic lean, Hilton remains optimistic and has campaigned extensively across the state.

Addressing his endorsement by Donald Trump, Hilton emphasized his independence and his previous reputation for independent thinking while advising the UK prime minister. His campaign focuses on challenging one-party control in California, arguing it leads to ineffective governance regardless of the party. At a debate, Hilton criticized Becerra for frequently mentioning Trump, reminding voters that Trump hasn’t governed California for the past 16 years.

Hilton also addressed California’s high gas prices compared to national averages, attributing these prices to state policies rather than federal influence. Hilton supports some of Trump’s policies, citing trump’s border initiatives as effective government action. He opposes federal cuts to California’s public universities and criticized a proposal to withdraw customs officers from airports. Disputing Becerra’s portrayal of him as willing to deport all undocumented California farmworkers, Hilton clarified that such actions fall under federal jurisdiction, not gubernatorial.

On taxes, Hilton proposed exempting the first $150,000 of income and imposing an 8 percent flat tax above that. His critics question the feasibility of his tax break plan, which Hilton estimates at $25 billion annually. To fund this, Hilton plans to redirect investments from areas like high-speed rail and tackle Medicaid fraud. He also aims to make cuts across state departments.

Hilton criticized excessive charges on small businesses, such as the $800 fee before generating any revenue. He plans to mitigate litigation pressures from the Private Attorneys General Act. In one campaign advertisement, Hilton promotes trying something new politically, communicating a message of change.

Positioning himself on the cutting edge of artificial intelligence issues, Hilton advocates for a cautious approach in education and supports legislation against impersonal robotic terminations. Hilton expressed skepticism over politicians’ understanding of AI, underscoring the need for informed regulation. He highlighted his continued use of a flip phone to demonstrate his point.

Regarding Brexit, a campaign he supported, Hilton remains confident it was a democratic choice. He blames current British mismanagement on government incompetence rather than Brexit itself. Hilton expressed a sense of similarity between challenges in California and British politics. He emphasized the loss of California’s innovative ‘rebel spirit’ due to overregulation. Hilton’s campaign vision aims to return to a more liberated California with reduced governmental control over personal and business decisions.