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THE BOTTOM LINE - California's next governor will inherit one of the most consequential challenges in the state's modern history. Rising housing costs, persistent homelessness, soaring energy prices, public safety concerns, struggling schools, growing government bureaucracy, and an ongoing exodus of residents have transformed the 2026 gubernatorial race into a debate over the future of the Golden State.
During a recent edition of The Bottom Line on CityWatch, I sat down with Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton to discuss his vision for California and how he would address the issues dominating public concern. Over nearly thirty minutes, Hilton outlined a platform centered on affordability, economic growth, government accountability, public safety, education reform, and restoring confidence in state leadership.
Whether Californians ultimately embrace his proposals will be decided at the ballot box. But one thing became clear during our conversation: the debate over California's future is no longer about whether change is needed it is about what kind of change voters believe will produce measurable results.
California's Greatest Challenge
Hilton repeatedly returned to what he considers California's most troubling statistic the departure of residents and businesses from the state. He described California's population loss as the clearest sign that the state's current trajectory is unsustainable, calling it the 'number one indicator' of government failure. He argued that the departure of residents and employers reflects growing frustration over affordability, regulation, and the cost of doing business.
He maintained that reversing that trend is not merely a campaign promise it is the benchmark by which his administration should ultimately be judged.
Restoring Affordability
Affordability formed the foundation of Hilton's campaign message. He proposed eliminating state income taxes on the first $150,000 of income, reducing gasoline prices to approximately $3 per gallon, lowering utility costs, capping annual vehicle registration fees, eliminating California's $800 business franchise tax, expanding domestic energy production, and rolling back regulations that he believes discourage investment and economic growth.
Hilton summarized his economic philosophy simply: government should allow Californians to keep more of what they earn while reducing regulatory burdens that discourage entrepreneurship and job creation.
Housing: Build More, Build Faster
Hilton argued that California cannot solve the housing crisis simply through additional subsidies. Instead, he advocated streamlining permitting, reducing bureaucratic delays, reforming environmental litigation, lowering development fees, and increasing housing production. He repeatedly emphasized that reducing permitting delays, litigation, and regulatory barriers would be essential to making homeownership attainable for more Californians.
Homelessness: Measuring Results, Not Spending
Hilton argued that despite billions of taxpayer dollars spent over the past decade, visible homelessness remains widespread. He called for greater accountability, expanded addiction treatment and mental health services, and measurable performance standards for government programs. Hilton maintained that compassion and accountability must go hand in hand.
Public Safety
Hilton expressed support for strengthening law enforcement, improving recruitment and retention, enforcing existing laws, and restoring confidence in public safety institutions. He argued that restoring confidence requires both stronger support for law enforcement and continued accountability to the communities they serve.
Education
Hilton supports expanding school choice, strengthening parental involvement, improving literacy and workforce training, and increasing accountability for educational outcomes. He described education as an investment in California's future workforce and argued that stronger educational outcomes are essential to long-term competitiveness.
Reforming State Government
A recurring theme throughout the interview was government accountability. Hilton argued that Sacramento has become larger and more bureaucratic while becoming less effective. He repeatedly returned to one principle: government should be judged not by the number of programs it creates, but by the measurable results it delivers for taxpayers.
Energy and Economic Competitiveness
Hilton criticized California's energy policies and advocated what he described as an 'all-of-the-above' energy strategy that combines domestic production with continued innovation. He argued that lowering energy costs would help families while improving California's competitiveness.
Working Across Party Lines
Hilton said California's governor should work constructively with any presidential administration, regardless of political party, whenever cooperation advances California's interests.
Three Benchmarks for Success
Asked how voters should evaluate his administration after four years, Hilton identified three measurable goals:
• Reverse California's population decline by attracting residents and businesses back to the state.
• Reduce gasoline prices to approximately $3 per gallon.
• Restore California's business climate so employers choose to invest, expand, and create jobs in California.
He said these benchmarks would allow voters to judge his administration by measurable outcomes rather than campaign rhetoric.
The Bottom Line
Regardless of political affiliation, few Californians would dispute that the state faces extraordinary challenges. Affordability, housing, homelessness, public safety, education, economic competitiveness, energy costs, and government accountability have become defining issues in the race for governor.
Throughout our conversation, Steve Hilton presented his campaign platform as a blueprint built around tax relief, regulatory reform, expanded housing construction, stronger public safety, education reform, lower energy costs, and greater government accountability. Whether voters agree with those proposals is ultimately theirs to decide.
Elections are not won simply on speeches or slogans. They are won on competing visions, practical solutions, and public trust. As Californians prepare to choose their next governor, voters will decide which candidate they believe is best equipped to restore opportunity, strengthen public confidence, and address the challenges confronting the nation's most populous state.
That is the Bottom Line.
(Mihran Kalaydjian is a seasoned public affairs and government relations professional with more than twenty years of experience in legislative affairs, public policy, community relations, and strategic communications. A respected civic leader and education advocate, he has spearheaded numerous academic and community initiatives, shaping dialogue and driving reform in local and regional political forums. His career reflects a steadfast commitment to transparency, accountability, and public service across Los Angeles and beyond.)
