California In New Hot Water
Republican candidate for California governor Steve Hilton delivered a sharp warning about California’s financial direction during an appearance Thursday on Carl Higbie FRONTLINE, arguing the state’s leadership is allowing billions in taxpayer dollars to slip through the cracks.
Speaking on Newsmax, Hilton referenced a recent state auditor’s report that estimates as much as $76.5 billion in questionable or potentially fraudulent spending across multiple government programs.
The report highlighted ongoing failures in benefit administration, financial reporting, cybersecurity safeguards, and water infrastructure oversight—issues auditors warn could expose California to additional costs and long-term public safety risks if left unresolved.
In its latest “high-risk” assessment, State Auditor Grant Parks stated that several systemic problems under Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration have persisted for years and, in some cases, worsened.
Hilton emphasized that the $76.5 billion figure represents only a partial snapshot of California’s broader spending concerns.
“That total reflects just eight or nine spending categories,” Hilton said. “It does not include the $13 billion California is projected to spend next year expanding state-funded healthcare to undocumented immigrants, nor does it reflect the estimated $55 billion lost during pandemic-era spending.”
According to Hilton, California’s economic challenges are being felt by everyday residents, citing high unemployment, rising poverty, and a growing cost-of-living crisis.
“These outcomes are the result of years of single-party governance and policy decisions that have failed working families,” Hilton said, adding that voters are increasingly frustrated with the status quo.
Hilton also raised concerns about transparency surrounding last year’s destructive Palisades Fire as the one-year anniversary approaches. He alleged that state and local officials have not fully addressed the circumstances that led to the blaze.
He claimed the fire reignited from an earlier incident that had not been fully contained and said lessons from the event have yet to be implemented.
“Californians deserve honest answers,” Hilton said, pointing to Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “Instead of fixing the problems, leaders appear focused on avoiding accountability.”
Hilton said his campaign is centered on restoring fiscal discipline, strengthening public safety, and rebuilding trust between government and taxpayers—issues he believes will define California’s future.
