Candidate Steve Hilton is photographed during a commercial break at the gubernatorial debate for California governor held by CNN in Monterey Park, California, U.S., May 5, 2026. REUTERS/ David Swanson
(Los Angeles, California) – California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton is going after Democrats over the state’s affordability crisis, arguing that they are trying to blame President Trump for problems created in Sacramento.
During a recent debate, Hilton pushed back on his Democratic rivals and said California’s high cost of living is the result of state decisions on taxes, energy, housing, regulation and spending.
His message is aimed at voters who are tired of expensive gas, high rents, rising utility bills and a general feeling that California has become unaffordable for working families.
Democrats are likely to argue that national economic forces and Republican policies have played a role. But Hilton is trying to keep the focus local, saying the people who have controlled California for years should own the results.
The exchange gave Hilton a clear campaign lane: make the race a referendum on Democratic rule in California.
