Former Fox News colleague Gianno Caldwell has taken a public stand for Republican gubernatorial hopeful Steve Hilton, arguing that the candidate offers a realistic path forward for California’s struggling families and businesses.
Why the endorsement matters
Caldwell, who lived in Los Angeles from 2017 until the early months of the COVID‑19 shutdown, describes his departure from the state as a response to rising crime, homelessness and what he calls “unreasonable” regulation. He says the contrast between his experience and Hilton’s platform underscores the urgency of change.
Key policy proposals
Hilton’s plan centers on three pillars: tax relief, affordable housing, and public safety.
- Tax relief: The candidate proposes eliminating the state income tax on the first $150,000 of a Californian’s earnings, a move he says would return millions of dollars to working families.
- Gas prices: By repealing the state gas tax and the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, Hilton aims to bring gasoline down to roughly $3 per gallon.
- Housing: He calls for streamlined building codes and limits on lawsuits filed under the California Environmental Quality Act, which he argues block new construction.
While acknowledging that voters may disagree with any individual proposal, Caldwell stresses that Hilton has addressed each issue with “gravitas” and a willingness to work.
Public safety focus
Hilton, a former Fox News analyst, has repeatedly warned that crime in California is out of control. He proposes tougher sentencing, increased support for law‑enforcement agencies, and stricter enforcement of laws against street encampments, paired with expanded mental‑health and addiction treatment.
His stance has earned the endorsement of Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig, the architect of Proposition 36, a 2023 measure that restored penalties for repeat theft and drug offenses after a 70 % voter approval.
Campaign dynamics
Since the June primary, Hilton has toured the state, attending forums and engaging directly with voters. In contrast, Democratic opponent Xavier Becerra, former Health and Human Services secretary under President Joe Biden, has kept a lower profile, skipping a recent Los Angeles Times candidate forum.
Caldwell argues that this disparity demonstrates Hilton’s commitment to confronting California’s challenges head‑on, rather than relying on the incumbency advantage.
Historical context and voter outlook
California has elected Republican governors before, from Ronald Reagan to Arnold Schwarzenegger, when voters sought change. Current polls list Hilton as an underdog, but Caldwell cautions that polls do not decide elections—people do.
On November 3, Californians will choose between Hilton and incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom. Caldwell urges voters to consider the concrete proposals outlined above, suggesting they could restore affordability and safety to the Golden State.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
