Steve Hilton, the Republican nominee for California governor, told Newsmax he believes the race is "winnable" despite trailing in many polls. He accused Attorney General Xavier Becerra of largely avoiding the campaign trail and compared him unfavorably to President Biden. Hilton said some nonestablishment surveys show the gap narrowing since the primary and described meeting voters — including lifelong Democrats — who say they support his push for change. He called his campaign "positive" and practical while acknowledging an uphill fight.
Hilton: California Governor's Race 'Winnable' as He Accuses Becerra Of Avoiding The Campaign Trail
Steve Hilton (AP)
Steve Hilton, the Republican nominee for California governor, told Newsmax on Wednesday that he believes the contest is winnable despite trailing in many statewide polls.
Hilton argued California has suffered under 16 years of one-party control and criticized Attorney General Xavier Becerra for doing little public campaigning ahead of the election.
"He's so afraid of actually making a mistake," Hilton said on "Finnerty." "He's barely even going outdoors in this campaign. He's worse than Biden in the basement. He's not trying to earn anyone's vote."
Hilton acknowledged conventional, establishment polls still show a sizable gap between him and Becerra but said other surveys — including some tied to supporters of the proposed "billionaires tax" — indicate the margin has narrowed since his campaign ramped up after the primary.
Campaign Message and Voter Reaction
While admitting the race is an uphill battle, Hilton said his message of practical policies is starting to resonate with voters. He described encounters on the campaign trail with voters, including self-identified lifelong Democrats who say they plan to cross party lines this year.
"Every single day I'm out there, I get people coming up to me saying, 'I'm a lifelong Democrat, but this year I'm voting for you because we got to have a change.' He's nowhere," Hilton said.
Hilton emphasized that his campaign is focused on "positive, practical things that will make life better for people," and stopped short of predicting a definitive victory while rejecting the idea that his opponent is a guaranteed winner.
Context
The race is drawing attention in a state that has been dominated by Democrats for years. Polls vary by methodology and sample; campaign strategies and turnout will likely determine whether the margins tighten further as Election Day approaches.
Note: This article summarizes statements made by Hilton during an appearance on Newsmax and reports on how different polls portray the state of the race. It does not include new polling data beyond the candidate's comments.
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