California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton recently sat down for an exclusive interview with this news outlet, outlining his reasons for running and his policy platform. Members and supporters of his “Golden Ticket” campaign team also elaborated on the reasons for their support and their policy direction, covering issues such as public safety, education, and fiscal governance.
Hilton mentioned that he moved to California with his family in 2012, started his own business here, and taught at Stanford University, living and working in the area for a long time, gaining experience in both business and government policy. He described California as “the best place in the world, but everyone can see it’s going downhill.”
He pointed out that California is currently facing problems with high poverty rates, unemployment, and living costs that are spiraling out of control. “Everything is expensive, everything is difficult,” he said, and he believes that long-term single-party rule has led to governance imbalance. Therefore, he decided to run to “save this state that I love so much.”
Hilton summarized the core issue as “skyrocketing cost of living,” saying, “We pay the highest taxes and yet get the worst results.”
Regarding energy policy, he advocates for opening up local oil and gas exploration to reduce reliance on imported energy, while also adjusting some regulatory measures to lower oil prices. In terms of electricity, he proposed stopping the reliance or forced use of wind and solar energy only, increasing the proportion of natural gas power generation to enhance stability and reduce electricity costs.
In fiscal matters, he pointed out that the California government budget has almost doubled in the past decade, yet “everything has gotten worse,” with multiple welfare indicators not improving simultaneously. Thus, he advocates for cutting expenses, reducing fraud and waste to enhance fiscal efficiency and decrease the tax burden.
On housing policy, he suggested simplifying building regulations, increasing the supply of single-family homes, and stopping the compulsory construction of apartment buildings in suburban areas to restore the “California dream of affordable homeownership” and address housing affordability issues.
When discussing international and values issues, Hilton briefly mentioned that his family had lived under a communist regime, and in his youth, he personally experienced how a communist system would suppress freedom, restrict dissenting voices, and oppress women, emphasizing the importance of resisting communist authoritarianism.
He also pointed out the connections between the Iranian regime and the Chinese Communist Party at the military and energy levels, reflecting mutual support among authoritarian regimes. He emphasized the need to recognize this relationship, always uphold freedom, and focus on the competition between different governance models and the importance of freedom values.
Hilton’s running mate Vice Governor candidate Gloria Romero expressed her support for Hilton, stating that the two have long cooperated on policies and share the same reform direction, believing that they can form a “strong team” to serve the people of California, rather than serving special interests, collectively addressing the current high cost of living and population outflow issues.
In governance, she mentioned a focus on education and employment connection, enhancing affordability of higher education, and strengthening government governance efficiency.
Another team member, California Attorney General candidate Michael Gates, expressed support for Hilton, believing that he has a clear policy direction and executive ability. He proposed to make public safety a core issue, advocate for tough crime fighting policies, establish consistent law enforcement standards statewide, and enhance support and protection for law enforcement officers.
Jennifer Hawks, running for California State Treasurer, voiced support for the Hilton team, believing that their reform direction, improving government efficiency, and the goal of accountability mechanisms are aligned.
Recently, President Trump publicly declared his support for Hilton’s gubernatorial campaign, criticizing the current governance in California for “causing population loss, rising crime, and excessive tax burden.” He believes Hilton has the ability to reverse the situation and stated that federal support will be provided.
Hilton and his team are focusing their campaign on lowering the cost of living, reforming government finances, and enhancing public safety, with the core slogan of “Making California Affordable,” pointing out that it is currently a “moment for change.”