California Gubernatorial Race: Becerra vs. Hilton

Steve Hilton, a Republican candidate for governor, created a stir at a recent children’s Halloween event. Wearing a mask of his Democratic rival, Xavier Becerra, he handed out candies while warning parents about potential tax policies under Becerra’s leadership. Hilton sarcastically suggested a mileage tax, stating, “Vote for Becerra, and your parents will have to pay every mile they drive.”

Becerra was unfazed. At a campaign event in Sacramento, he quipped that Hilton’s mask hid a face more like Donald Trump’s. Becerra, a former congressman and member of President Biden’s Cabinet, is running to succeed Democrat Gavin Newsom. Recent polls give Becerra a significant lead over Hilton by at least 20 percentage points. This gap reflects the Democratic majority in California.

As the election approaches, Becerra has been campaigning across California, focusing on competitive House races. He aims to leverage anti-Trump sentiment among voters to gain support. Addressing volunteers in support of Democrat Richard Pan, Becerra warned that Trump aims to “destroy democracy.”

Among voter concerns, the high cost of living in California ranks high, followed closely by opposition to Trump’s policies. California voter and UC Davis student Arthur Galvan expressed worries about education and affordable housing, emphasizing the need for policy changes. Becerra, asked about funding roads amid more electric vehicle usage, mentioned considering a mileage tax to support infrastructure.

Hilton, known for his quick wit, campaigns energetically across the state. Despite trailing in polls, he promises to lower gas prices and eliminate certain taxes, criticizing years of Democratic governance for economic issues like housing and gas prices. At the Halloween event, Hilton humorously offered a child a choice between candy and a mileage tax. Her mother, Italia Sandoval, voiced concerns about the financial burden such taxes would place on families.

Hilton’s campaign features props like Halloween masks and cutouts, portraying Becerra negatively. Rallying supporters in Sacramento, he criticized bans on gas appliances and flavored tobacco. His remarks resonated with the audience, highlighting restrictions on consumer choices.

Though Becerra remains the favorite, Hilton’s supporters hold out hope. Supporter Marina Gabel expressed frustration with California’s high gas prices, even for hybrid car owners. In his final campaign push, Becerra framed the election as a stand against Trump and aligned Hilton with Trump’s administration. Speaking in San Francisco, he stressed rejecting Trump’s influence in California.