Steve Hilton, a Republican, is currently leading in the polls to potentially replace Gavin Newsom as governor in solidly blue California, prompting curiosity about what his actions would be if elected.
Hilton, who has the backing of former President Trump, stated that he intends to drastically change the landscape of Sacramento starting from day one.
“On my first day, I’m going to take this oversized government bureaucracy and throw it into a wood chipper,” Hilton expressed in an interview.
In this conversation, he shared insights on how he plans to address challenges he believes contribute to rising costs for housing, gas, electricity, and groceries throughout the state.
His agenda includes submitting a budget focused on affordability. This would feature initiatives like $3 gas, reduced electricity costs, scrapping state income taxes for earnings up to $100,000, ending free health care for undocumented immigrants, and facilitating home ownership.
Additionally, Hilton aims to initiate a special legislative session to “revitalize” the California economy by emphasizing budget cuts, tax breaks, and reform in homelessness and water energy management. He mentioned the importance of supporting Hollywood with tax credits and improving public safety.
“The fastest way to assist residents is to lower taxes and reduce government take,” he said.
As the Democrats scramble to hold their ground ahead of next week’s primary elections, it follows the fall of former Rep. Eric Swalwell. Current frontrunners among Democrats are former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and billionaire climate advocate Tom Steyer.
Hilton’s tax proposals for his first day in office include eliminating state income taxes for the first $100,000 earned, abolishing the annual $800 business fee, and advocating for an immediate suspension of the gas tax while systemic reform is pursued to lower prices.
He also intends to repeal income and property taxes for veterans without delay.
Yet, the most pressing issue he faces appears to be homelessness.
Hilton explained that measures like scrapping California’s Housing First mandate, prohibiting public camping, enforcing drug and property crime laws, and reallocating funds from permanent housing to cost-effective group shelters could be implemented right away.
“That’s exactly what Spencer Pratt has been advocating for in Los Angeles,” he remarked, linking their thoughts on homelessness.
Moreover, he plans to give local authorities about three months to manage the encampments before deploying state resources for enforcement.
“If you don’t address the encampments, then we’ll step in,” Hilton stated.
On housing reforms, his approach would involve cutting permits and revising environmental regulations that hinder construction. Hilton’s housing policy claims the current system has stymied efforts to build over a million housing units in recent years.
The proposed special session will also encompass significant tax incentives for the film industry, potentially offering credits that may rise up to 60% for certain productions.
He envisions forming a “Governor’s Expeditionary Force” to streamline processes for production companies and suggesting reforms to help bring entertainment jobs back to California.
Regarding oil and gas, Hilton mentioned plans to appoint a leader for CalGEM to facilitate prompt permits for expanding production. He posited that California could ramp up oil and gas outputs rapidly.
Hilton’s broader energy strategy aims to amplify domestic oil production and lessen reliance on imports, while also boosting power output by optimizing California’s gas-fired power plants to help reduce electricity costs.
On public safety, Hilton is committed to initiating the implementation of Prop. 36 during his first year, focusing on rehabilitating offenders through literacy and job training rather than merely punishing them.
He conceded that expanding prison capacities might take more time and could be a phased effort.
Moreover, he plans to appoint an anti-human trafficking coordinator and members to the State Board of Education within the initial 100 days, with a focus on enhancing literacy and math skills in schools.
Some of his ambitious proposals will take longer to materialize. He anticipates cutting the workforce in the executive branch by 50,000 full-time employees and tackling healthcare costs for retirees, highlighting the complexity and duration of these initiatives.
He also suggested incorporating advanced technology like AI drones and autonomous firefighting equipment to aid in early fire detection and management; a project he calls crucial but acknowledges will take a year to set up.
Yet, Hilton’s ambitious plans face challenges given that nearly 45% of California voters are registered Democrats, 25% are Republicans, and 22% are independents. While polls indicate he may secure a spot in the top two for the upcoming runoff, his chances might diminish in direct competition against prominent Democrats like Becerra and Steyer, who have significantly outspent their rivals in the race.
Additionally, major legislative changes will have to navigate the predominantly Democratic Congress, which must approve many of his plans. Although he can utilize executive powers and special sessions for some reforms, significant alterations to taxes, homelessness laws, prison policies, and energy regulations will likely face tough resistance.
Hilton has made it clear that he is laying the groundwork for his policies and staffing prior to assuming office, indicating, “It’s going to be a very busy first day, but I plan to be more prepared than any incoming governor in history.” That is his ambition.
