Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton on Sept. 16, 2026 publicly attacked Democratic Governor Xavier Becerra, calling the incumbent’s rhetoric a lasso and delivering a forceful critique during a campaign stop in California.
The exchange matters to voters who are looking for leaders who speak plainly about integrity and stewardship, values emphasized by many faith communities. Hilton framed his criticism as a call to break free from what he described as a political “lasso” that binds Californians to the status quo.
Hilton highlighted his campaign’s “faith‑based” ballot‑harvesting operation, noting that volunteers are organized statewide under county chairs to collect and submit ballots. Campaign spokesman Hector Barajas said the effort complies with state rules and reflects a grassroots, church‑inspired model of civic participation.
He also pointed to a recent AI‑generated ad titled “The People vs. The Machine,” which depicts a futuristic robot representing the political establishment. Hilton said the ad illustrates the struggle of ordinary Californians against a perceived corrupt system in Sacramento.
The controversy surrounding Becerra’s office was underscored by the guilty plea of his longtime chief of staff, Sean McCluskie, to bank and wire fraud. While federal prosecutors have not implicated Becerra personally, Hilton used the case to argue that the administration is tainted by misconduct.
Policy‑wise, Hilton told supporters that wildfires are “preventable” if California adopts common‑sense forest management rather than what he called “climate extremism.” He advocated for abolishing the state DMV, replacing vehicle registration with a flat $73 annual fee, and pledging $3‑per‑gallon gas to ease the burden on families.
The campaign also leans on former President Donald Trump’s endorsement, which has helped Hilton consolidate Republican support while prompting Democrats to label him a Trump ally. Hilton has sought to balance this by positioning himself as a pragmatic problem‑solver who can work with the White House for federal assistance on issues like wildfire relief.
Hilton and Becerra are set to face each other in a nationally televised CNN debate on Sept. 30, a pivotal moment that could shape the final stretch of the race.