California Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Hilton Exposes Government Fraud
Steve Hilton, a Republican running for governor of California, has introduced an online tip line aimed at uncovering questionable government practices. This move comes in response to a reported $1 billion fraud involving pandemic relief funds in Minnesota.
Hilton, who previously contributed to Fox News and aims to succeed Gavin Newsom in 2027, has reached out to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. He requested a federal investigation into potential misconduct occurring in California.
Speaking to the Post, Hilton expressed confidence in the need for an investigation in California, stating it was “justified,” especially after his discussions with officials from the Department of Homeland Security.
“I strongly believe that whatever issues are happening in Minnesota are likely magnified, maybe a thousand times worse, in California due to years of Democratic control,” he noted.
In September 2022, federal authorities in Minnesota charged numerous individuals with defrauding pandemic-related welfare programs. A recent article in the New York Times highlighted this extensive fraud, centered around the state’s Somali community, where a company is alleged to have billed state agencies for millions in non-existent social services.
Despite concerns raised by government officials about the legitimacy of these invoices back in 2020, they ultimately faced backlash from threats of litigation and public relations backlash. Recently, a social media account claiming to connect with 480 Minnesota governors accused Governor Tim Walz of leading the fraudulent activities.
Hilton’s California tip line, launched on Wednesday, encourages state employees to report misconduct, waste, fraud, and other abuses. He plans to publicize this initiative through various publications that Sacramento workers are likely to read.
The former Fox News contributor emphasized the need for a thorough audit of California’s key programs should he ascend to the governorship.
Hilton criticized California’s “aggressive one-party system,” arguing that the state’s vast illegal immigrant population generates substantial incentives for fraud and waste that continue to increase over time.
The race for California governor is shaping up to be competitive, with several notable candidates, including East Bay Rep. Eric Swalwell, former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, Rep. Katie Porter, billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer, and ex-Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, all declaring their candidacies.
