Phil Mickelson Comments on California Gas Prices

Golf legend Phil Mickelson has recently expressed his views on the rising gas prices in California, offering praise for the gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton’s strategy aimed at increasing local gas production to help drive down costs.

Mickelson took to social media on Wednesday to share his opinions. One of his posts included a photo highlighting gas prices in California, which have surpassed $5 per gallon.

In his post, he remarked, “This is sad and it’s only going to get worse.” He also shared an interview featuring Hilton on Fox Business Network’s “The Bottom Line,” where Hilton endorsed a government plan for offshore oil drilling near California, asserting his goal of reducing gas prices to $3 a gallon.

Mickelson responded with, “Finally, someone who speaks common sense.”

Earlier this year, a study by University of Southern California professor Michael Misch warned that Californians might face gas prices hitting as high as $8.43 per gallon next year due to the planned closures of two refineries.

Moreover, Misch noted that disruptions in oil supply and foreign gasoline markets could further complicate California’s gasoline situation. He explained that challenges in shipping routes and port operations could significantly affect prices not only in California but also in neighboring states like Nevada and Arizona.

In the meantime, Valero Energy is expected to close its nearby refinery in Benicia by April 2026, which could put over 400 jobs at risk and worsen the price situation.

Hilton, who is currently leading the pack in the 2026 gubernatorial race, has made it a cornerstone of his campaign to address these soaring gas prices. He highlighted how, despite California’s wealth of oil reserves, residents are paying some of the highest prices in the nation—this is attributed, according to him, to Democratic policies on climate change.

In a Fox News Digital op-ed, he stated, “California’s high gas prices are a direct result of 15 years of single-party Democratic rule,” criticizing key Democratic figures for their support of what he described as a “war on fossil fuels.”

As for Mickelson, he’s been actively using his platform to highlight a range of sociopolitical issues associated with left-leaning policies while showing support for conservative figures, including Donald Trump and now Steve Hilton. A native of San Diego, Mickelson moved to Florida to escape California’s high taxes. This shift reflects a broader comment on the economic challenges some residents face in the state.