California Can Bounce Back, Says Republican Gubernatorial Candidate
During an appearance on The Alex Marlow Show, Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton expressed his belief that California is indeed “salvageable” from the damage done by Democratic leadership. When the host asked if there was hope for the Golden State, Hilton quickly affirmed that it’s possible, emphasizing that the necessary steps for improvement are quite “straightforward” and “basic.”
Hilton highlighted California’s many advantages, including its favorable climate, stunning natural landscapes, and a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit rooted in its history, from Hollywood to the tech sector. Unfortunately, he believes that bureaucratic inefficiencies have taken over, stifling the state’s potential. “We’ve got the best agricultural land anywhere in the world. We can grow anything, do anything, make anything… But we’re dealing with a bloated nanny state that tells us how to live our lives, and it’s exhausting,” he remarked.
His main message is simple: “Stop the government from meddling so much, let us handle things ourselves, and the natural strengths of California will shine through. But first, we need to shift the political dynamics.” He raised the question of whether it’s possible to elect someone who will challenge the current burdensome regulations and costs coming from Sacramento.
Hilton noted that the governor’s race is critical for change, identifying it as the “only achievable change right now.” He pointed out that Democrats currently hold a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the state legislature, which makes significant legislative changes unlikely in the immediate future. “We’re working hard to challenge that supermajority, but real progress may take a couple of election cycles. However, winning the governorship could deal a significant blow to the current one-party rule,” he stated, adding that as governor, he could implement rapid changes.
He also acknowledged that Republicans can’t rely solely on their base to win the governor’s race. “Our GOP support is strong and energized, largely due to the active campaign I’ve been running. I’ve visited all 58 counties to rally people, but we have to attract Democrats and independents as well,” he said.
Hilton believes that the practical solutions he proposes, like tax exemptions for the first $150,000 earned, lower gas prices, and reasonable vehicle registration fees, resonate with Californians. “These are common-sense ideas that would improve lives,” he added.
However, he recognized that some voters might feel hesitant to support a Republican candidate. “Many people are uncertain about voting for someone associated with Trump. We totally understand that. But California has had 16 years of total one-party rule. Isn’t it time to try something new?” he reasoned, suggesting that voters give a different approach a chance for just four years.
“We can’t keep doing the same thing and hoping for a different outcome,” he said, emphasizing the emotional aspect of voting and how important it is for people to feel connected to the change they seek.
