Steve Hilton, a Republican running for governor in California, shared his housing and economic platforms during a town hall event in Los Angeles. He also criticized his Democratic opponent, Xavier Becerra, and outlined some of his policy differences with President Trump. This event was hosted by the Los Angeles Times and LAist.
Housing and Economic Plans
Hilton described California’s cost of living as a major issue driving residents and businesses out of the state. His plan, termed ‘Califordable’, includes:
- Eliminating income taxes for those earning $150,000 or less
- Reducing regulations on the oil industry to decrease gas and electric costs
- Encouraging construction of single-family homes, including developing new cities across the state
- Capping government fees on new house constructions
He blames the Democrats, who have controlled the state legislatures and offices since 2009, for the state’s affordability problems.
Divergence from Trump’s Policies
While Trump endorsed Hilton, Hilton has voiced disagreement on certain issues. He opposes federal funding cuts to the University of California, threats to withdraw border agents from sanctuary areas, and the federal buying stakes in California companies. He strongly advocates for state power and decentralizing federal control.
Environmental and Energy Policies
Hilton presents a different approach to addressing climate change, proposing business-friendly strategies like planting 3 billion trees, restoring wetlands, and expanding geothermal energy use. He criticized offshore wind projects, labeling them as harmful to California’s coastal beauty.
He supports expanding oil production within the state to reduce foreign oil dependency, thus cutting carbon emissions without increasing energy costs for residents and small businesses.
Cuts to State Spending
Hilton criticized the growth of California’s budget, aiming to return it to its pre-pandemic size. He plans to offset tax cuts by:
- Ending funding for high-speed rail
- Reducing state agency budgets by 5%
- Addressing Medicaid fraud
He also plans to end state-funded healthcare for undocumented immigrants and reduce funding for agencies regulating air quality and coastlines.
Collaboration Across Party Lines
Hilton expressed his willingness to collaborate with a Democratic majority in the Legislature. He cites his experience working with opposing party members in the UK government. He reiterated his commitment to cutting costs and passing fewer new bills.
He found common ground with some Democrats on issues such as taxation and housing policies, suggesting potential bipartisan cooperation.
Criticism of Becerra
Hilton criticized Becerra for missing the town hall, emphasizing the importance of open discussions about California’s future. He noted their single debate and expressed hope for more discussions.