California Republican Reaches Out To Latinos

Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton says California needs a new direction, promising lower taxes, education reform, reduced government spending, and policies designed to help working families. Speaking during a campaign stop in Los Angeles County, Hilton argued that years of Democratic leadership have made the state less affordable while positioning himself as the candidate who can restore the California Dream.

Campaigning in Bell Gardens as he seeks to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom, Hilton rallied supporters wearing “Latinos for Hilton” shirts and outlined what he described as a bold plan to improve the state’s economy, schools, and quality of life.

“Let’s fix California together,” Hilton told supporters gathered at Cristo Rey Lutheran Church.

He pledged to campaign aggressively through Election Day, saying California voters have an opportunity to chart a new course.

Hilton Calls for Major Education Reform

Education was one of the central themes of Hilton’s speech.

The Republican candidate argued that California’s public schools are failing too many students and said improving education is critical to the state’s future economic success.

Hilton pointed to reading proficiency rates as evidence that significant reforms are needed and said schools should place a greater emphasis on career preparation alongside traditional academics.

His education plan includes expanding vocational and technical training programs so students graduate with practical skills that prepare them for today’s workforce.

“We have to prepare our young people for the jobs of the future,” Hilton said.

Lower Taxes and Smaller Government

Hilton also focused heavily on California’s high cost of living, arguing that families and small businesses need immediate tax relief.

Among the proposals he highlighted were:

• Eliminating California’s annual $800 small-business tax.
• Ending the state gas tax.
• Reducing government spending by eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy.
• Cutting utility bills through expanded affordable energy policies.
• Eliminating state income tax on the first $150,000 earned by Californians.
• Making it easier for young families to purchase their first home.

Hilton said these policies would help restore affordability and encourage businesses and workers to remain in California.

Latino Outreach Plays Key Role

The campaign event featured former State Sen. Gloria Romero and California State Senate candidate Araceli Martinez, underscoring Hilton’s effort to expand Republican support among Latino voters.

Adding a unique touch to the rally, Hilton arrived in a restored 1948 Buick Super Eight driven by Roman Rangel, an Avocado Heights building contractor.

Rangel said Hilton’s positions on taxes, crime, homelessness, and energy costs reflect concerns shared by many working Californians.

He said reducing taxes, lowering fuel prices, and improving public safety remain priorities for many families across the state.

Hilton Says California Needs a New Direction

Speaking after the event, Hilton said voters should ask themselves whether continuing to elect the same political leadership will produce different results.

He argued that California’s affordability challenges require a fresh approach focused on lowering everyday expenses, expanding homeownership opportunities, and improving economic growth.

Hilton said his campaign is centered on what he described as the “basic things” that matter most to families, including affordable housing, lower utility bills, lower taxes, and better-paying jobs.

Sharp Contrast With Xavier Becerra

Hilton framed the California governor’s race as a choice between maintaining current Democratic policies or pursuing a different path under Republican leadership.

He criticized Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra, arguing that one-party control has contributed to rising living costs and declining affordability.

According to Hilton, Latino families and other working-class Californians have been overlooked by Democratic leaders despite facing some of the state’s greatest economic challenges.

He pointed to homeownership and employment trends, arguing that Latino residents have experienced stronger economic outcomes in states such as Texas and Florida, which have adopted different policy approaches.

Hilton said his campaign is focused on creating more opportunities for families to build wealth, purchase homes, and achieve long-term financial security.

Energy Costs Remain a Major Campaign Issue

Hilton also criticized Democratic environmental policies, arguing they have contributed to higher gasoline prices and rising electricity costs throughout California.

He claimed working families bear the greatest burden because many rely on their vehicles for daily commutes and cannot easily avoid higher fuel expenses.

According to Hilton, remote workers and higher-income professionals are less affected by increasing energy costs than blue-collar employees who must travel to work each day.

Why the California Governor Race Matters

The race to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to be one of the nation’s most closely watched elections.

California voters continue to rank affordability, housing costs, crime, homelessness, education, and energy prices among their top concerns. Republicans hope frustration over the state’s high cost of living will create an opportunity to compete in a state Democrats have dominated for years, while Democrats argue their policies have strengthened California’s economy and protected long-term growth.

With both parties presenting sharply different visions for the state’s future, the campaign is expected to intensify as Election Day approaches.

Hilton Says Opportunity Should Return to California

Born in Britain before becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen, Hilton said his own experience pursuing opportunity in America shapes his vision for California.

He said the state should once again become a place where hard work allows families to buy a home, start a business, and build a better future.

Hilton argued that restoring the California Dream will require new leadership focused on affordability, economic opportunity, and policies that benefit working families.

As the California governor’s race heats up, Hilton is betting voters are ready for a different approach centered on lower taxes, stronger schools, safer communities, and renewed economic opportunity.