Steve Hilton strongly criticized Xavier Becerra in a recent interview on Newsweek’s The 1600 podcast. Hilton described Becerra as lacking substance and relying on insults. This sentiment followed a heated debate moment where Becerra accused Hilton of favoring immigrants who resemble him while opposing others.
Hilton shared his immigrant background, explaining that his family fled Hungary as refugees, highlighting his personal understanding of immigrant challenges. He further described Becerra as smug and lazy, noting similar criticisms from within Becerra’s party.
Becerra’s absence from a Los Angeles Times forum was noted by Hilton, who questioned Becerra’s scheduling conflicts, suggesting he wasn’t actively engaging with voters. Hilton, a former advisor to UK Prime Minister David Cameron and a former Fox News host, became a U.S. citizen in 2021 and seeks to become California’s first Republican governor since 2006. Despite Trump backing him, he faces challenges in a heavily Democrat state, with UC Berkeley polling showing Becerra leading.
Hilton expressed his campaign’s reach across California’s 58 counties, receiving consistent voter feedback urging him to win. He emphasized the need for political balance, inviting Democrats and independents to consider voting for him to change the state’s one-party control.
“We’ve had one party running everything for 16 years,” he emphasized. “It’s not healthy to have one-party rule.”
During the debate, Hilton criticized Becerra’s frequent references to Trump, blaming the state’s problems on the Democratic leadership. He refuted Becerra’s claims that he would deport undocumented farmworkers, explaining that it’s a federal jurisdiction.
Hilton’s platform focuses on tax policy, proposing no tax on the first $150,000 of income and a flat 8% tax above that, aiming to reduce government fees and regulatory burdens on small businesses. Critics doubt the feasibility of his financial plans, but he insists they are achievable.
Hilton called attention to California’s high gas prices, distancing the issue from Trump’s influence, noting lower prices in other states. He acknowledged disagreeing with federal decisions affecting California, defending state’s rights in certain regulatory areas.
In terms of AI regulation, Hilton seeks careful integration of technology in education and workplaces, advocating for thoughtful policy-making beyond political rhetoric.
Reflecting on Brexit, Hilton stood by the decision, citing governance failures for post-vote challenges rather than the decision itself. Drawing comparisons between Californian and British politics, he expressed a desire to restore California’s innovative and independent spirit, seeing current governance as overbearing.
The discussion closed with Hilton’s call to revive California’s iconic character, steering away from excessive governmental control.