Steve Hilton’s Critique of Xavier Becerra and His California Campaign

Hilton’s Strong Opinions on Becerra

Steve Hilton, California’s Republican gubernatorial nominee, expresses intense dissatisfaction with Xavier Becerra. In an interview on Newsweek’s podcast The 1600, Hilton labeled Becerra as “pathetic” and “a jerk,” criticizing him for relying on insults.

Hilton commented, “He’s a smug, lazy, arrogant, entitled nothing of a person.”

Hilton responded to Becerra’s debate comment about welcoming immigrants who resemble Hilton but deporting those like Becerra, calling it “ludicrous.” Highlighting his background, Hilton stated, “My parents are Hungarian refugees from communism.” He criticized Becerra for missing scheduled forums and questioned his scheduling conflicts.

A Campaign Against the Odds

Hilton became a U.S. citizen in 2021 and aims to become California’s first Republican governor since 2006. With Democrats having a significant registration advantage, Hilton’s campaign faces challenges, especially with the support from former President Donald Trump, who remains unpopular in the state. A recent poll shows Becerra leading Hilton 58% to 33%.

Having campaigned in all 58 counties, Hilton captures voters’ concerns as desperation for change, urging them to “try something different.” He emphasizes his independent-minded nature, distancing himself from Trump’s policies and focusing on California’s long-standing one-party rule.

Hilton’s Policy Proposals

Hilton advocates tax reforms, proposing no state taxes on the first $150,000 of earnings and a flat 8% rate beyond that. Despite criticism, he insists, “The quickest way to get more money into people’s pockets is for the government to take less out.” With an incoming tax bracket starting at $70,000, Hilton argues that low-income individuals are unfairly taxed.

He plans to finance these tax cuts by eliminating high-speed rail funding, targeting Medi-Cal fraud, and enforcing a 5% budget cut across departments.

A Controversial Campaign Approach

Hilton’s “Just Try It” campaign features a provocative advertisement showing a mail-in ballot interaction, described by some as “creepy.” He defends the ad as part of a larger campaign strategy, promoting the idea of a shift from the longstanding one-party governance.

Hilton on AI and Education

Hilton intends to regulate AI’s role in education, proposing to halt its use in classrooms until its impact is properly assessed. He supports legislation against “robo-firings,” advocating for human involvement in employment decisions.

The gubernatorial candidate criticizes politicians’ ignorance about AI, pointing out the need for informed policymaking.

Views on Brexit and Government

Reflecting on his involvement in Brexit, Hilton maintains that the move was “100 percent right” despite poor subsequent governance. He contrasts California’s bureaucratic state with what he sees as the “rebel spirit” that once defined it.

The full interview with Steve Hilton can be watched on YouTube or Newsweek’s website.