Gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton's plans for Calif. and San Diego

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Axios: What are your top priorities?

Hilton: My top priority is a tax cut: no state income tax on the first $150,000 of income, with an 8% flat rate above that.

• Second is our plan for $3 gas, which we'd achieve by eliminating the state gas tax, repealing the Low Carbon Fuel Standard and increasing local in-state oil production.
• Third, we would cap vehicle registration at the current basic fee of $73 per vehicle per year. We would also abolish the DMV.

Is there anything you would do that would specifically affect San Diego?

Hilton: I'm very supportive of the Sunbreak Ranch proposal on homelessness (a plan to set up a homeless camp in the desert). I see it as a prototype for the entire state.

• The idea is to create a triage facility where people can immediately get off the street and into a safe, secure and healthy environment.

What would you do about the Tijuana River sewage crisis?

Hilton: I've been talking with the Trump administration about it for the last year or more, and I've visited the area twice. My understanding is there's a plan in place that will take about two years for the Mexican side to have a proper facility there that's operational, and so I'm already in conversation with the EPA about that.

• One thing that we need to do that's in our control is for California to declare an emergency, so that we can unlock certain funding streams and action there.

Are there areas where you disagree with President Trump?

Hilton: Many. The biggest is probably the 2020 election. I have never questioned the outcome.

• I've also disagreed with efforts involving cuts to University of California funding, the idea of the federal government taking stakes in artificial intelligence companies and a proposal to remove Customs and Border Protection from California airports.

Where do you most clearly differ from Becerra?

Hilton: On almost everything. We have the highest costs in the country, the highest taxes for the worst results, and I think that he's totally unqualified for the job.

Democrats significantly outnumber Republicans in California. How do you win?

Hilton: It's hard to see California voting for four more years of this. I don't think traditional polling models reflect the anger, frustration and desperation Californians are experiencing.

• I expect much higher Republican turnout than usual, partly because I've been running a high-energy campaign, and also because of voter ID and the level of anger and frustration with one-party rule.
• I think independents and Democrats will split their tickets and vote for change in the governor's race.

What is one specific result voters should expect after your first year as governor?

Hilton: Lower taxes and cheaper gas.