Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton launched a series of public appearances across California over the weekend, sharply criticizing Democratic nominee Xavier Becerra’s policy proposals as voters prepare to cast ballots in Tuesday’s election. The race to succeed outgoing Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has drawn national attention amid economic concerns and debates over state governance.
Hilton’s campaign tactics and policy critiques took center stage during a Halloween-themed event in Highland Park, where he donned a mask of Becerra and distributed candy while mocking the Democratic candidate’s proposed mileage tax. “Vote for Becerra, and your parents will have to pay every mile they drive,” Hilton said in a sarcastic tone, repeating the phrase three times to the crowd. Becerra, who served as California’s Attorney General and later as a member of President Biden’s Cabinet, responded by calling Hilton’s tactics reminiscent of former President Donald Trump, stating, “I suspect, if he takes off that mask, you’ll see Donald Trump right underneath.”
Recent polling shows Becerra leading by at least 20 percentage points in a state where Democratic voters outnumber Republicans by a significant margin. The Democratic Party has sought to leverage broad anti-Trump sentiment to bolster turnout in competitive races, including those in the Central Valley and Southern California. Becerra has spent the final days of the campaign stumping for Democratic House candidates ahead of the November 8 election.
Economic concerns and governance debates dominate the race as both candidates present starkly different visions for California’s future. Hilton, a former Fox News host, has positioned himself as an outsider advocating for deregulation, lower taxes, and a reversal of policies he argues have contributed to the state’s economic struggles. His campaign has emphasized issues such as high gas prices, housing costs, and homelessness, framing them as direct results of Democratic leadership in Sacramento.
Becerra, meanwhile, has framed his candidacy as a continuation of progressive policies aimed at addressing income inequality, healthcare access, and environmental sustainability. His campaign has highlighted his record as Attorney General, where he pursued legal action against the Trump administration on issues such as immigration and healthcare, as well as his role in expanding Medi-Cal coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The race reflects broader national divides over economic policy, governance, and the role of government in addressing societal challenges. California, a Democratic stronghold, has not elected a Republican to statewide office in over two decades, a fact both campaigns acknowledge as a significant hurdle for Hilton. Polling data suggests that while Hilton’s messaging resonates with some voters frustrated by the state’s economic conditions, Becerra’s institutional support and name recognition provide him with a substantial advantage.
Key policy differences between the candidates have emerged in recent weeks. Hilton has proposed rolling back regulations on small businesses, reducing gas taxes, and implementing stricter penalties for homeless encampments. Becerra, in contrast, has emphasized expanding social services, increasing funding for affordable housing, and addressing climate change through targeted investments. Neither candidate has provided detailed cost estimates for their proposals, leaving voters to weigh the potential trade-offs of each approach.
As the election approaches, both campaigns are focusing on mobilizing their respective bases. Hilton’s events have targeted suburban and rural areas where economic concerns are particularly pronounced, while Becerra’s outreach has concentrated on urban centers with high Democratic voter turnout. Analysts note that turnout in these areas could be decisive in determining the outcome of the race.