Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton criticized his Democratic opponent, Xavier Becerra, on Thursday for indicating support for a mileage tax that could potentially add around $1,000 to California drivers’ annual expenses. Hilton accused the Democrats of consistently overburdening working families.
“With Xavier Becerra as governor, it seems you’d be looking at an extra $1,000 a year just for using your car,” Hilton shared with the California Post just before addressing a press event in Sanger, a town in the Central Valley, where he suggested making gas prices $3 a gallon.
“They just keep gouging you. First, the highest gas prices in the U.S., then it’s outrageous car registration fees. Now, they want to track your every mile and charge as much as 10 cents per mile,” he continued.
“This is the height of disgusting Democrat elitism,” Hilton added, ramping up his critique.
This outburst followed Becerra, a former California attorney general and current health secretary in the Biden administration, expressing openness to taxing drivers based on mileage to help fund repairs for the state’s crumbling roads.
“Everything should be considered,” Becerra said when asked if a mileage-based tax would be on his agenda if he became governor. “Our roads don’t maintain themselves—funding is necessary,” he explained.
“I don’t want to overtax people, and yes, we should have a gas tax. And yes, even electric vehicle owners should contribute to road maintenance,” Becerra remarked.
Hilton used Becerra’s comments as a fresh opportunity just days before the upcoming election, spotlighting California’s high cost of living as a focal point in his campaign to take over for Gov. Gavin Newsom.
He argued that a mileage tax would unfairly burden Californians who are already finding it difficult to manage housing costs, gas prices, and daily expenses.
“The ones who will be hit hardest are working-class people and small business owners who rely on their vehicles. Unlike the remote workers lecturing others from their laptops,” Hilton stated.
California has been exploring a mileage-based road charge as a substitute for the gas tax, which is becoming less effective as more people switch to electric or fuel-efficient cars. Currently, a pilot program is underway testing distance-based charges, with a report expected for lawmakers by year-end.
Assemblymember Carl DeMaio (R-San Diego) highlighted that a mileage tax could add an additional 6 to 9 cents per mile, compounding the existing taxes on gasoline and vehicles. For someone driving 15,000 miles a year, this could mean extra charges of $900 to $1,350 annually.
Hilton has promised to significantly cut driving costs in California, aiming to lower gas prices to $3 a gallon and limit annual vehicle registration fees to $73. He proposes eliminating the state’s gas tax, relaxing environmental regulations, and increasing domestic oil production—changes that would need the cooperation of California’s Democratic legislature.
Additionally, Hilton stated his intent to block any legislation related to a mileage tax. “As governor, I will veto it,” he declared. “This is just another way you’ll save with Steve.”
