Steve Hilton lays out his agenda for California and San Francisco
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Steve Hilton on the trail in North Hollywood in September. Photo: Jason Almond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
It's time to vote for governor in California.
The big picture: Democrat Xavier Becerra is squaring off against Republican Steve Hilton. Axios sent questions to both candidates and here are Hilton's responses.
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 the Bay Area?
Hilton: Yes, on housing costs.
- If housing is so expensive, then what you have to pay people to work at your startup or your growing tech company is just so astronomical that you can't do it, and that's driving businesses out of the Bay Area.
What would you do about housing costs?
Hilton: The quickest way we can get more money in people's pockets is for the government to take less out in the first place.
- For a typical new home in California, the total cost of government fees and regulations is $200,000. I would cap that at $50,000.
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.