Steve Hilton Campaigns for California Governor Against Xavier Becerra

Republican nominee Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and political adviser, is campaigning for Governor of California on a populist platform centered on affordability and government inefficiency. Hilton proposes abolishing the Department of Motor Vehicles, capping gas prices at $3 per gallon, and canceling the high-speed rail project connecting San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Hilton argues that 16 years of Democratic leadership have caused population loss and driven the state to ruin. While seeking to maintain support from the MAGA base, he is attempting to distance himself from the political brand of Donald Trump to appeal to a broader California electorate.

Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra currently holds a significant lead in the polls, with Hilton trailing by 20 percentage points or more. Becerra's campaign has dismissed Hilton's efforts, with spokesperson Jonathan Underland characterizing the Republican's motivations as a desire to return to media work. The two candidates are scheduled to debate this Wednesday.