Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton recently attended a children’s Halloween event in Highland Park wearing a mask resembling his Democratic rival, Xavier Becerra. Hilton used the occasion to offer candy and criticize potential liberal tax policies, including the idea of a mileage tax. He warned, “Vote for Becerra, and your parents will have to pay every mile they drive.”
In response, Becerra dismissed Hilton’s tactics. At a campaign event in Sacramento, Becerra joked, “If he takes off that mask, you’ll see Donald Trump right underneath. That’s who he really is.” Becerra, a former congressman, state attorney general, and a member of President Biden’s Cabinet, highlighted the importance of voting against Trump-influenced policies.
With Tuesday’s election approaching, Becerra and Hilton have been actively campaigning across California. Despite Hilton’s efforts to gain traction, Becerra leads him by 20 percentage points, reflecting California’s Democratic voter majority. A contributing factor is the state’s anti-Trump sentiment, which Becerra aims to capitalize on to boost the liberal electorate in favor of Democrats.
Becerra has prioritized stumping for Democrats in House races in competitive regions like the Central Valley and Southern California, emphasizing the need to counter Trump’s policies. “We’re not just gonna take back these seats in California. We’re gonna take back the House and the Senate,” Becerra stated during a campaign stop.
California voters are concerned about the cost of living, but Trump’s influence has shifted priorities toward policies that counter his administration. A UC Davis sophomore, Arthur Galvan, noted his priorities include education and affordable housing, pointing out that housing costs are unattainable even in semi-rural Lincoln.
Becerra addressed the mileage tax controversy, stating he is considering options to ensure road funding as more Californians switch to electric vehicles. “We need to pay for our roads. You can’t do it if you don’t have the money,” he explained, noting the need for community input.
Hilton has embraced his underdog status, supporting tax cuts and criticizing years of Democratic governance for problems like housing affordability and homelessness. He promised to lower gas prices and eliminate state taxes on the first $150,000 of income. Hilton is endorsed by Trump but frames his campaign around California’s troubles.
During the Halloween event, Hilton used props to depict Becerra as controlled by Gavin Newsom, citing issues like bans on gas appliances and flavored tobacco. He argued that these rules contribute to California’s high living costs.
Despite Hilton’s efforts, Becerra remains a strong contender in blue California. Becerra continues to connect Trump’s policies to Hilton and emphasizes California’s opposition to such policies, notably in LGBTQ+ communities.
Becerra reiterated the significance of the election, framing it as a referendum on Trump’s presidency. “In California, we say no mas,” he declared, urging voters to reject Trump-aligned policies.
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