Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton on Oct. 9 toured Skid Row in Los Angeles, a focal point of California’s homelessness crisis, and described the situation as a ‘political scandal’ rather than an unavoidable crisis. Hilton, who is challenging Democratic incumbent Xavier Becerra in the Nov. 3 gubernatorial election, accused state leaders of failing to address the issue despite billions in taxpayer spending, while also criticizing government-funded nonprofits and developers he claims have benefited from the crisis.
Hilton’s visit to Skid Row came as federal authorities conducted a sweeping drug raid in the area the same day, highlighting renewed scrutiny of the neighborhood’s challenges. During the tour, Fox News Digital observed sprawling homeless encampments, Narcan distribution points, human feces on sidewalks, and piles of ash from fires set to stay warm. Hilton argued that Democratic policies had directly contributed to the crisis, stating, ‘The homelessness crisis is not a natural disaster—it’s a political scandal.’
In contrast, Becerra, who has held a comparatively low-profile campaign, has not publicly responded to Hilton’s accusations. The Democratic candidate has agreed to one debate with Hilton and has focused most of his public appearances in urban areas.
Campaign Trail Contrasts
Hilton, a British immigrant and former Fox News host, has sought to differentiate himself from Becerra by adopting a high-visibility campaign strategy, visiting all 58 counties in California. His approach includes cheeky ads, viral social media content, and appearances at events like stock car races and off-road dune buggy rallies, where he criticized regulations he deemed excessive. For example, at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, Hilton called the California Coastal Commission ‘idiots’ for restricting off-road beach driving. At the Madera Speedway, he was named grand marshal of a stock car race, an honor that drew criticism when the track operator created a mock concession menu charging higher prices for Democrats than Republicans.
Becerra, meanwhile, has maintained a more traditional campaign approach, with fewer public events and limited media appearances. His campaign has not directly addressed Hilton’s criticisms but has emphasized his experience as California’s Attorney General and his focus on issues like healthcare and economic recovery.
Policy and Political Reactions
Hilton’s campaign has framed the homelessness crisis as a failure of Democratic governance, pointing to years of state spending without visible improvement. He has also targeted government-funded nonprofits and developers, alleging financial incentives tied to the crisis. No direct response from Becerra or his campaign was provided in the available reporting.
The federal drug raid in Skid Row on Oct. 9 underscored the ongoing challenges in the neighborhood, where law enforcement and public health officials continue to grapple with drug use, sanitation issues, and encampments. The raid targeted areas with high levels of narcotics activity, according to federal officials.
Background: The Homelessness Crisis in California
California has one of the highest homelessness rates in the U.S., with an estimated 171,000 people experiencing homelessness in 2023, according to federal data. Los Angeles County alone accounts for over 70,000 of those individuals, with Skid Row serving as a visible symbol of the state’s struggles. Critics of current policies argue that lack of affordable housing, mental health services, and addiction treatment contribute to the crisis, while supporters of existing approaches point to budget allocations and new initiatives aimed at addressing the issue.
The gubernatorial race has brought renewed attention to homelessness, with both candidates offering distinct visions for addressing the crisis. Hilton’s campaign has focused on criticizing existing policies, while Becerra’s platform has not been detailed in the available reporting.
Key Dates and Events
- Oct. 9: Steve Hilton tours Skid Row; federal drug raid conducted in the area.
- Nov. 3: California gubernatorial election.
- 2023: California’s homelessness rate remains among the highest in the U.S., with Skid Row as a focal point.
- 2003: Last Republican elected to statewide office in California.