Republican candidate for governor Steve Hilton used a Los Angeles County campaign appearance to pledge a revival of the “California dream,” while arguing that Democratic leaders have taken Latino voters for granted.
Hilton, who is seeking to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom, addressed supporters in Bell Gardens, where many in the crowd wore “Latinos for Hilton” shirts as he cast himself as a voice for working-class families across the state.
“Let’s fix California together!” Hilton told the energized audience gathered at Cristo Rey Lutheran Church.
“I’m going to fight every single day between now and the election,” he said.
The British-born candidate, now a U.S. citizen, also vowed to dramatically reshape California’s public education system, describing it as a “disaster.”
“Less than half the kids in our public schools can read properly,” Hilton said.
“We have to prepare our young people for the jobs of the future,” he added.
Hilton said his education agenda would include “bringing back skills training in every school.”
Hilton also vowed to cut government spending, promising to “get rid of ridiculous bloat” and eliminate the state’s annual $800 small-business tax.
The candidate appeared alongside Gloria Romero, a former state senator and candidate for lieutenant governor, and Araceli Martinez, who is running for California’s 30th State Senate District.
Adding some old-school flair to the event, Hilton arrived in a 1948 Buick Super Eight driven by its owner, Roman Rangel.
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The 54-year-old Avocado Heights building contractor said Hilton’s message on taxes, crime and homelessness resonated with him.
“I like what everybody else likes about Steve. He wants to lower taxes, get rid of the gas tax and do something about homelessness and crime,” Rangel told The California Post.
“That’s important to a lot of people.”
Speaking exclusively to The Post, Hilton had a blunt message for voters ahead of the November election.
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“Why would you keep voting the same way and expect a different result?
“We obviously need a change in California, and it’s in our power to get it. You’ve just got to vote for it.”
Hilton said he would focus on what he called the “basic things for everyone” by cutting taxes, slashing utility bills in half and making it easier for young families to buy homes.
He has also pledged to eliminate state income tax on the first $150,000 Californians earn.
Hilton framed the election as a choice between change and more of the same, targeting his Democratic opponent, Xavier Becerra.
“The same party has been in charge for years,” he said. “If you want more of the same, vote Becerra.”
“I’m the only change candidate in this election. The Democratic Party has abandoned Latino voters.”
Hilton said he wants to help Latinos and other working-class residents achieve what he called the state’s promise.
“Follow the California dream, which is what this state should be about,” he said.
“Latinos in California have lower rates of home ownership and employment than Latinos in other states, such as Texas and Florida, where they have different policies,” Hilton said.
“If you want a shot at the California dream, you’ve got to vote for change because the Democrats have abandoned you.”
“The Democrats don’t care about the working class. They don’t care about Latinos. We’ve got to make a change.”
Hilton, who was born in Britain before becoming a US citizen, added: “I understand what it’s like to want to climb the ladder of opportunity in a new country.
“I want that opportunity for everyone in California.”
Hilton also accused Becerra of “doubling down on all the policies that have hurt Latinos the most,” arguing the Democrat’s environmental policies would raise costs for working families.
He criticized Becerra’s “climate posturing,” saying it would drive up gas prices and hit working Californians hardest.
“They’re the ones hit the most by the high gas prices, not the elites who are working from home, tapping away on their laptops,” Hilton said. “They’re not hurt by any of that.
“Becerra wants to increase your gas prices, increase your electric bill.”
