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Governor
2026 California Governor — General Election · November 3, 2026
This candidate matches California’s August 27, 2026 certified general-election list by name, office and party. Later official corrections require a subsequent check.
Last reviewed September 14, 2026Ballot certification checked September 14, 2026Policy statements from campaign-controlled sources are labeled candidate positions; they are not independently presented as proven outcomes.
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Steve Hilton Republican
Only contact details published in official filing records, FEC filings, or a verified candidate-owned source with retained exact evidence appear here.
9460 Tegner Rd · Hilmar, CA 95324
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9460 Tegner Rd
Hilmar, CA 95324
WEBSITE: www.stevehiltonforgovernor.com
E-MAIL: [email protected]
Publication here means only that the contact detail appeared in the cited filing. It is not an endorsement, and older filings may remain visible until an amended official record is captured.
Verified records and candidate-provided claims are labeled separately.
Small Business Owner
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Small Business Owner
Steve Hilton was born in London, the son of Hungarian immigrants who fled communism in search of freedom and opportunity. He came from a working-class background, made it to Oxford, and built a career in business and government.
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Steve Hilton was born in London, the son of Hungarian immigrants who fled communism in search of freedom and opportunity. He came from a working-class background, made it to Oxford, and built a career in business and government.
He served as a senior advisor to Prime Minister David Cameron before moving to California, where he taught at Stanford, built businesses, hosted The Next Revolution on Fox News, and launched Golden Together.
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He served as a senior advisor to Prime Minister David Cameron before moving to California, where he taught at Stanford, built businesses, hosted The Next Revolution on Fox News, and launched Golden Together.
He served as a senior advisor to Prime Minister David Cameron before moving to California, where he taught at Stanford, built businesses, hosted The Next Revolution on Fox News, and launched Golden Together.
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He served as a senior advisor to Prime Minister David Cameron before moving to California, where he taught at Stanford, built businesses, hosted The Next Revolution on Fox News, and launched Golden Together.
Steve has a decades-long track record of fighting against corruption in politics. His tech start-up Crowdpac was built on a mission to get big money out of politics. Its stated goal was “to make it easier for independent, and independent-minded candidates to run for office without depending on big donors and insider political machines.” In his 2018 book Positive Populism, Steve argued for banning “Conflict Donors.” Steve will bring the spirit and action of an anti-corruption crusader to Sacramento, to clean up the rotten mess left by decades of unchecked sleaze.
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Steve has a decades-long track record of fighting against corruption in politics. His tech start-up Crowdpac was built on a mission to get big money out of politics. Its stated goal was “to make it easier for independent, and independent-minded candidates to run for office without depending on big donors and insider political machines.” In his 2018 book Positive Populism, Steve argued for banning “Conflict Donors.” Steve will bring the spirit and action of an anti-corruption crusader to Sacramento, to clean up the rotten mess left by decades of unchecked sleaze.
California can lead the world in AI without letting Big Business dehumanize workers. Steve made these arguments in More Human in 2015, and they are more valid now than ever.
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California can lead the world in AI without letting Big Business dehumanize workers. Steve made these arguments in More Human in 2015, and they are more valid now than ever.
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Each summary is supported by the candidate's own words from a campaign source, direct candidate response, or official primary record retained with the profile.
Eliminate extreme environmental program costs: These add about 54 cents per gallon to gas prices. Removing these programs—including the cap and trade fees tied to gasoline—would immediately cut 54¢.
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Eliminate extreme environmental program costs: These add about 54 cents per gallon to gas prices. Removing these programs—including the cap and trade fees tied to gasoline—would immediately cut 54¢.
Suspend the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), reformulation requirements, and other extreme and unnecessary refinery regulations: These compliance costs add roughly 40 cents per gallon. Cutting these would reduce refinery expenses and thus gas prices by around 40¢.
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Suspend the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), reformulation requirements, and other extreme and unnecessary refinery regulations: These compliance costs add roughly 40 cents per gallon. Cutting these would reduce refinery expenses and thus gas prices by around 40¢.
Eliminate the 60 cents per gallon state excise tax: Currently, California charges 60 cents per gallon in excise taxes, which contribute significantly to prices at the pump. Removing this tax would shave another 60¢ off the cost.
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Eliminate the 60 cents per gallon state excise tax: Currently, California charges 60 cents per gallon in excise taxes, which contribute significantly to prices at the pump. Removing this tax would shave another 60¢ off the cost.
Additional deregulation measures, including immediate steps to increase California oil production and the suspension of enforcement of SBX1-2 and ABX2-1, could reduce prices even further, by up to 25¢ per gallon.
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Additional deregulation measures, including immediate steps to increase California oil production and the suspension of enforcement of SBX1-2 and ABX2-1, could reduce prices even further, by up to 25¢ per gallon.
Phonics is the most proven method to teach children to read, but California does not require it. Steve Hilton will use executive action and pro-reform appointments to the state Board of Education to mandate phonics instruction statewide.
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Phonics is the most proven method to teach children to read, but California does not require it. Steve Hilton will use executive action and pro-reform appointments to the state Board of Education to mandate phonics instruction statewide.
Every school will receive a clear, public letter grade each year based on student proficiency, starting in 3rd grade. Schools that fail to show improvement will be placed in state-directed “special measures” with new leadership, strategies and greater accountability.
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Every school will receive a clear, public letter grade each year based on student proficiency, starting in 3rd grade. Schools that fail to show improvement will be placed in state-directed “special measures” with new leadership, strategies and greater accountability.
With Steve Hilton as governor, California will require at least five years of classroom experience before granting tenure. Low-performing teachers must be removed quickly and excellent teachers rewarded.
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With Steve Hilton as governor, California will require at least five years of classroom experience before granting tenure. Low-performing teachers must be removed quickly and excellent teachers rewarded.
Parents will once again be empowered to force reforms at failing schools. If a school receives a D grade two years in a row, parents will have the right to trigger administrative changes, curriculum overhauls, or conversion to a charter model.
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Parents will once again be empowered to force reforms at failing schools. If a school receives a D grade two years in a row, parents will have the right to trigger administrative changes, curriculum overhauls, or conversion to a charter model.
To give parents immediate options while traditional schools improve, Hilton will expand choice through ESAs, starting with low-income and special needs students. Parents will be free to move their children to any public school that performs better, regardless of zip code.
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To give parents immediate options while traditional schools improve, Hilton will expand choice through ESAs, starting with low-income and special needs students. Parents will be free to move their children to any public school that performs better, regardless of zip code.
Statewide Detection and Technology Deployment. Deploy modern detection and suppression technology statewide and reform procurement and regulatory rules so California can actually use and scale these tools quickly.
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Statewide Detection and Technology Deployment. Deploy modern detection and suppression technology statewide and reform procurement and regulatory rules so California can actually use and scale these tools quickly.
A Modern Fire Force. Create a focused California Fire Force dedicated to early detection, rapid suppression, and deployment of modern technology including drones, automated systems, and advanced monitoring.
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A Modern Fire Force. Create a focused California Fire Force dedicated to early detection, rapid suppression, and deployment of modern technology including drones, automated systems, and advanced monitoring.
End the Regulatory Barriers That Make Fires Worse. Roll back and reform extreme environmental and air quality regulations that have been weaponized to block basic fire prevention and firefighting. This includes fixing harmful air quality bureaucracy that has been used to stop controlled burns, reforming endangered species rules that prevent effective vegetation management and emergency response, and restoring common-sense authority for fire agencies to act. This will be achieved through executive orders and appointments of serious, results-driven leadership to key agencies like CARB, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, and related regulatory bodies.
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End the Regulatory Barriers That Make Fires Worse. Roll back and reform extreme environmental and air quality regulations that have been weaponized to block basic fire prevention and firefighting. This includes fixing harmful air quality bureaucracy that has been used to stop controlled burns, reforming endangered species rules that prevent effective vegetation management and emergency response, and restoring common-sense authority for fire agencies to act. This will be achieved through executive orders and appointments of serious, results-driven leadership to key agencies like CARB, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, and related regulatory bodies.
Universal Fire Protection for Homes. Every home in a fire risk zone becomes eligible for state-supported fire prevention treatments. This is not a mandate. It is an incentive-driven system that makes prevention easy, affordable, and normal. These treatments include fire-retardant coatings for vegetation, decks, fences, and structures; ember-resistant upgrades and defensible space treatments; and modern non-toxic fire suppression and retardant technologies.
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Universal Fire Protection for Homes. Every home in a fire risk zone becomes eligible for state-supported fire prevention treatments. This is not a mandate. It is an incentive-driven system that makes prevention easy, affordable, and normal. These treatments include fire-retardant coatings for vegetation, decks, fences, and structures; ember-resistant upgrades and defensible space treatments; and modern non-toxic fire suppression and retardant technologies.
Align Insurance With Prevention. Reform insurance regulation so insurers can and must offer meaningful premium discounts for fire-hardened homes and co-fund prevention programs, because preventing losses costs less than paying for disasters.
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Align Insurance With Prevention. Reform insurance regulation so insurers can and must offer meaningful premium discounts for fire-hardened homes and co-fund prevention programs, because preventing losses costs less than paying for disasters.
Reward Fire Safety. Provide property tax credits for homeowners who complete certified fire prevention upgrades and streamline permits so people can protect their homes quickly.
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Reward Fire Safety. Provide property tax credits for homeowners who complete certified fire prevention upgrades and streamline permits so people can protect their homes quickly.
Fix Emergency Readiness and Response. Launch an immediate and comprehensive review, reporting within 90 days, of fire and emergency response capacity in high-risk counties and major cities to ensure the devastating failures exposed in Los Angeles under Mayor Karen Bass never happen again. This includes reviewing water availability and infrastructure, including reservoirs and hydrants, equipment readiness, personnel deployment, and inter-agency coordination. Steve Hilton will appoint an Emergency Preparedness and Response “A Team” of world-class professionals to lead this effort and set new statewide standards for readiness, coordination, and accountability.
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Fix Emergency Readiness and Response. Launch an immediate and comprehensive review, reporting within 90 days, of fire and emergency response capacity in high-risk counties and major cities to ensure the devastating failures exposed in Los Angeles under Mayor Karen Bass never happen again. This includes reviewing water availability and infrastructure, including reservoirs and hydrants, equipment readiness, personnel deployment, and inter-agency coordination. Steve Hilton will appoint an Emergency Preparedness and Response “A Team” of world-class professionals to lead this effort and set new statewide standards for readiness, coordination, and accountability.
End Renewable Energy Credits and Portfolio Mandates. Stop forcing utilities and businesses to buy credits and overpriced renewable power that drive up household bills.
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End Renewable Energy Credits and Portfolio Mandates. Stop forcing utilities and businesses to buy credits and overpriced renewable power that drive up household bills.
Audit the full system costs of renewables. Demand honest accounting of transmission, storage, backup, and permitting costs that are often hidden. Californians deserve transparency, not accounting tricks.
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Audit the full system costs of renewables. Demand honest accounting of transmission, storage, backup, and permitting costs that are often hidden. Californians deserve transparency, not accounting tricks.
Prioritize affordable, reliable energy. Allow natural gas, nuclear, and consumer-driven rooftop solar to compete on a level playing field, free from government mandates that tilt the market.
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Prioritize affordable, reliable energy. Allow natural gas, nuclear, and consumer-driven rooftop solar to compete on a level playing field, free from government mandates that tilt the market.
Protect farmland. As governor, Steve Hilton will ensure California’s farmland is preserved for food production by banning new solar farms on fertile and productive fields, while allowing projects that do not disrupt agriculture. And by ensuring that farmers get the water they need, Steve will end the cruel and cynical trick currently being played by Democrat climate extremists: denying farmers water, rendering potentially fertile farmland unusable for agriculture, then claiming that solar farms are the only realistic option for generating income from the land. We have the most fertile farmland in the world and we should be using it to grow the food that will help make America healthy again — fruit, nuts, produce — instead of dumping solar panels made in China.
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Protect farmland. As governor, Steve Hilton will ensure California’s farmland is preserved for food production by banning new solar farms on fertile and productive fields, while allowing projects that do not disrupt agriculture. And by ensuring that farmers get the water they need, Steve will end the cruel and cynical trick currently being played by Democrat climate extremists: denying farmers water, rendering potentially fertile farmland unusable for agriculture, then claiming that solar farms are the only realistic option for generating income from the land. We have the most fertile farmland in the world and we should be using it to grow the food that will help make America healthy again — fruit, nuts, produce — instead of dumping solar panels made in China.
Eliminate state income tax on profits tied to qualifying starter home construction
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Eliminate state income tax on profits tied to qualifying starter home construction
Set clear, enforceable timelines for approvals
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Set clear, enforceable timelines for approvals
Establish a Governor’s Housing Expediter to unblock stalled approvals
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Establish a Governor’s Housing Expediter to unblock stalled approvals
Implement a five-year freeze on new housing regulations
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Implement a five-year freeze on new housing regulations
Expand incentives for building and selling ADUs as entry-level homes
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Expand incentives for building and selling ADUs as entry-level homes
Structure the program as a deferred second loan, repaid upon sale or refinance
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Structure the program as a deferred second loan, repaid upon sale or refinance
As governor, Steve Hilton will issue an executive order directing all state agencies to work with Attorney General Gates to review their policies, regulations, and enforcement practices to ensure they comply with the Second Amendment and recent Supreme Court rulings.
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As governor, Steve Hilton will issue an executive order directing all state agencies to work with Attorney General Gates to review their policies, regulations, and enforcement practices to ensure they comply with the Second Amendment and recent Supreme Court rulings.
As governor, Steve Hilton will direct Attorney General Gates to ensure every county in California complies with federal and state concealed carry law, including the standards established by the Supreme Court’s decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. Attorney General Gates will work with county sheriffs and local officials to ensure concealed carry permitting is applied fairly and consistently across the state.
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As governor, Steve Hilton will direct Attorney General Gates to ensure every county in California complies with federal and state concealed carry law, including the standards established by the Supreme Court’s decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. Attorney General Gates will work with county sheriffs and local officials to ensure concealed carry permitting is applied fairly and consistently across the state.
As governor, Steve Hilton will direct the Governor’s legal team to conduct a comprehensive review of California’s firearm laws to determine which restrictions are unconstitutional under current Supreme Court precedent.
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As governor, Steve Hilton will direct the Governor’s legal team to conduct a comprehensive review of California’s firearm laws to determine which restrictions are unconstitutional under current Supreme Court precedent.
Under Steve Hilton’s plan, Californians will pay no state income tax on their first $150,000 of income.
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Under Steve Hilton’s plan, Californians will pay no state income tax on their first $150,000 of income.
Income above $150,000 would be taxed at a simple 8% rate.
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Income above $150,000 would be taxed at a simple 8% rate.
Schools should prepare students for real life, not just shuffle them along. Steve will push skills training and career pathways in every school so students can graduate ready for work, training or college.
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Schools should prepare students for real life, not just shuffle them along. Steve will push skills training and career pathways in every school so students can graduate ready for work, training or college.
California's government has become a bloated machine that eats up money, slows everything down and makes it harder to build, hire and grow. Steve will take on that bloat and cut back the waste.
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California's government has become a bloated machine that eats up money, slows everything down and makes it harder to build, hire and grow. Steve will take on that bloat and cut back the waste.
California should not punish people for starting a business. Steve will abolish the annual $800 small business tax and make it easier for entrepreneurs to get going and stay afloat.
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California should not punish people for starting a business. Steve will abolish the annual $800 small business tax and make it easier for entrepreneurs to get going and stay afloat.
Appointing pro-reform leadership at the Labor and Workforce Development Agency. A new Secretary of Labor and State Labor Commissioner, committed to fairness, compliance, and timely resolution, will restore trust and functionality to California’s labor oversight.
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Appointing pro-reform leadership at the Labor and Workforce Development Agency. A new Secretary of Labor and State Labor Commissioner, committed to fairness, compliance, and timely resolution, will restore trust and functionality to California’s labor oversight.
Executive action to reform PAGA enforcement. Hilton will direct the Labor Commissioner’s office to fully assert its authority to review and investigate claims using existing staff and resources. This will ensure the state, not profit-driven lawyers, decides which violations warrant action and how to resolve them.
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Executive action to reform PAGA enforcement. Hilton will direct the Labor Commissioner’s office to fully assert its authority to review and investigate claims using existing staff and resources. This will ensure the state, not profit-driven lawyers, decides which violations warrant action and how to resolve them.
PAGA was originally passed because the California Labor Commissioner was understaffed and claimed to be unable to investigate labor complaints adequately. But that was two decades ago. Today, with modern case management systems and tools like artificial intelligence, the Labor Commissioner’s office could efficiently review and manage complaints even with limited staff. It’s time to take enforcement power back from trial lawyers and return it to neutral state officials equipped to handle it responsibly.
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PAGA was originally passed because the California Labor Commissioner was understaffed and claimed to be unable to investigate labor complaints adequately. But that was two decades ago. Today, with modern case management systems and tools like artificial intelligence, the Labor Commissioner’s office could efficiently review and manage complaints even with limited staff. It’s time to take enforcement power back from trial lawyers and return it to neutral state officials equipped to handle it responsibly.
Legislation to modernize PAGA. Hilton will work with lawmakers to replace the current lawsuit-first system with an administrative model that puts investigations and resolution in the hands of neutral public officials. Credible claims will result in citations and remedies instead of jackpot lawsuits.
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Legislation to modernize PAGA. Hilton will work with lawmakers to replace the current lawsuit-first system with an administrative model that puts investigations and resolution in the hands of neutral public officials. Credible claims will result in citations and remedies instead of jackpot lawsuits.
Require vote-by-mail ballots to be received by Election Day rather than accepted for several days afterward if postmarked by Election Day.
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Require vote-by-mail ballots to be received by Election Day rather than accepted for several days afterward if postmarked by Election Day.
Mail ballots only to voters who specifically request them rather than automatically sending ballots to every registered voter.
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Mail ballots only to voters who specifically request them rather than automatically sending ballots to every registered voter.
Provide free voter identification cards to all registered voters and require identification for in-person voting.
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Provide free voter identification cards to all registered voters and require identification for in-person voting.
Expand pre-election ballot processing so counties can verify signatures, prepare ballots for tabulation, and complete administrative review before Election Day.
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Expand pre-election ballot processing so counties can verify signatures, prepare ballots for tabulation, and complete administrative review before Election Day.
While broader reforms are implemented, Governor Newsom should act immediately to accelerate the count in the primary election of June 2026.
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While broader reforms are implemented, Governor Newsom should act immediately to accelerate the count in the primary election of June 2026.
California should clean up the Digital Financial Assets Law and ensure state rules complement emerging federal frameworks instead of conflicting with them.
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California should clean up the Digital Financial Assets Law and ensure state rules complement emerging federal frameworks instead of conflicting with them.
California should end its misguided restrictions on staking and allow Californians to participate in lawful staking services.
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California should end its misguided restrictions on staking and allow Californians to participate in lawful staking services.
California should be the best place in the world to build crypto companies and blockchain technology. We should lower barriers to building and stop driving companies, investment, and talent to other states and countries.
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California should be the best place in the world to build crypto companies and blockchain technology. We should lower barriers to building and stop driving companies, investment, and talent to other states and countries.
Government has a responsibility to aggressively prosecute scams, fraud, and criminal abuse. But enforcement should target bad actors, not crush legitimate innovation and responsible companies.
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Government has a responsibility to aggressively prosecute scams, fraud, and criminal abuse. But enforcement should target bad actors, not crush legitimate innovation and responsible companies.
planting fire-resilient native trees forest thinning and fuel reduction strategic firebreak construction wetland and watershed restoration soil and habitat recovery long-term forest maintenance restoring California’s natural ability to remove carbon from the atmosphere
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planting fire-resilient native trees forest thinning and fuel reduction strategic firebreak construction wetland and watershed restoration soil and habitat recovery long-term forest maintenance restoring California’s natural ability to remove carbon from the atmosphere
The program will recruit and employ up to 100,000 young Californians over time in paid conservation and restoration work across the state.
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The program will recruit and employ up to 100,000 young Californians over time in paid conservation and restoration work across the state.
Steve Hilton will appoint Tom Woodard, founder of Plant With Purpose, as California’s first Director of Natural Climate Restoration.
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Steve Hilton will appoint Tom Woodard, founder of Plant With Purpose, as California’s first Director of Natural Climate Restoration.
No new taxes.
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No new taxes.
Move to an uncapped, open production incentive system
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Move to an uncapped, open production incentive system
Continuous, rolling approval system Automatic certification within 30 days Streamlined permitting processes
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Continuous, rolling approval system Automatic certification within 30 days Streamlined permitting processes
Reserve funding for independent and mid-budget projects
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Reserve funding for independent and mid-budget projects
Expanding direct rebates Improving transferability Ensuring credits are usable and bankable
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Expanding direct rebates Improving transferability Ensuring credits are usable and bankable
Support creative ownership Strengthen independent production Work with industry stakeholders to maintain a balanced ecosystem
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Support creative ownership Strengthen independent production Work with industry stakeholders to maintain a balanced ecosystem
Government should enforce basic accountability—but avoid sweeping, preemptive regulation on evolving technologies.
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Government should enforce basic accountability—but avoid sweeping, preemptive regulation on evolving technologies.
Protecting children Preventing fraud and impersonation Safeguarding intellectual property and identity
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Protecting children Preventing fraud and impersonation Safeguarding intellectual property and identity
Faster approvals Lower barriers to building A clear commitment to growth
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Faster approvals Lower barriers to building A clear commitment to growth
Utilizing existing natural gas capacity Expanding nuclear power over time
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Utilizing existing natural gas capacity Expanding nuclear power over time
Expand vocational and technical education Support retraining for displaced workers
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Expand vocational and technical education Support retraining for displaced workers
Get low- and moderate-risk homeowners off the FAIR Plan and back into standard policies, restoring it to its original role as a last-resort safety net.
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Get low- and moderate-risk homeowners off the FAIR Plan and back into standard policies, restoring it to its original role as a last-resort safety net.
Make the existing 60-day timeline under Proposition 103 a real requirement, ending delays and procedural abuse so insurers can operate with predictability.
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Make the existing 60-day timeline under Proposition 103 a real requirement, ending delays and procedural abuse so insurers can operate with predictability.
Require transparency in third-party litigation financing and stop lawsuits from being used as profit-driven investments that raise costs and delay recovery.
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Require transparency in third-party litigation financing and stop lawsuits from being used as profit-driven investments that raise costs and delay recovery.
Make California a place insurers can actually do business again by creating a stable, predictable environment for pricing risk.
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Make California a place insurers can actually do business again by creating a stable, predictable environment for pricing risk.
Make it easier to build the kinds of homes families actually want, including single-family homes, and allow growth in areas that can support it.
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Make it easier to build the kinds of homes families actually want, including single-family homes, and allow growth in areas that can support it.
Steve will direct LCI to set the cost of VMT credits at zero , effectively eliminating these charges.
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Steve will direct LCI to set the cost of VMT credits at zero , effectively eliminating these charges.
He will direct state agencies, including Caltrans , to revise their guidance so VMT cannot be used to justify excessive mitigation requirements or new fees on housing projects.
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He will direct state agencies, including Caltrans , to revise their guidance so VMT cannot be used to justify excessive mitigation requirements or new fees on housing projects.
California should not be trapping students in a four-year timeline that drives up costs and delays careers. This plan will push for three-year degree options and accelerated pathways so students can enter the workforce sooner and avoid paying for unnecessary time in school.
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California should not be trapping students in a four-year timeline that drives up costs and delays careers. This plan will push for three-year degree options and accelerated pathways so students can enter the workforce sooner and avoid paying for unnecessary time in school.
This plan will freeze in-state tuition at California’s public colleges while forcing the system to cut waste and lower costs.
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This plan will freeze in-state tuition at California’s public colleges while forcing the system to cut waste and lower costs.
Clear campus-by-campus reporting, independent audits, and full program reviews will expose waste, ensure real value for taxpayers, and focus resources on programs that meet clear standards and lead to career-ready outcomes.
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Clear campus-by-campus reporting, independent audits, and full program reviews will expose waste, ensure real value for taxpayers, and focus resources on programs that meet clear standards and lead to career-ready outcomes.
Simpler transfer rules and stronger credit portability will ensure students do not lose time and money.
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Simpler transfer rules and stronger credit portability will ensure students do not lose time and money.
As governor, Steve Hilton will use every tool available to force reform across California’s public colleges, working with his running mate for lieutenant governor, Gloria Romero.
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As governor, Steve Hilton will use every tool available to force reform across California’s public colleges, working with his running mate for lieutenant governor, Gloria Romero.
That means prioritizing programs that lead to real careers and good jobs, enforcing merit-based decisions, protecting non-discrimination under Proposition 209, ensuring student safety during protests, and upholding fairness in women’s sports.
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That means prioritizing programs that lead to real careers and good jobs, enforcing merit-based decisions, protecting non-discrimination under Proposition 209, ensuring student safety during protests, and upholding fairness in women’s sports.
Repeal climate mandates that drive up electricity costs. California’s energy policy should stop mandating specific technologies and outcomes that raise bills and undermine reliability. Through appointments and Executive Orders to relevant regulatory bodies and state agencies, Steve will repeal climate mandates that force utilities into costly energy choices and wasteful spending, including rules that exclude reliable low-emissions power like large hydro from being counted as clean energy.
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Repeal climate mandates that drive up electricity costs. California’s energy policy should stop mandating specific technologies and outcomes that raise bills and undermine reliability. Through appointments and Executive Orders to relevant regulatory bodies and state agencies, Steve will repeal climate mandates that force utilities into costly energy choices and wasteful spending, including rules that exclude reliable low-emissions power like large hydro from being counted as clean energy.
Break up PG&E’s monopoly. California should not be locked into a single, state-protected monopoly utility. Steve will move California away from PG&E’s monopoly model and toward locally owned utilities and decentralized energy that put communities back in control.
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Break up PG&E’s monopoly. California should not be locked into a single, state-protected monopoly utility. Steve will move California away from PG&E’s monopoly model and toward locally owned utilities and decentralized energy that put communities back in control.
A Hilton administration will end state support for High-Speed Rail on Day 1, based on State Controller candidate Herb Morgan’s analysis that these payments are illegal, given the enabling legislation for the payments which stipulates that High-Speed Rail should operate without subsidy. The most recent ‘Business Plan’ assumes ongoing public subsidy.
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A Hilton administration will end state support for High-Speed Rail on Day 1, based on State Controller candidate Herb Morgan’s analysis that these payments are illegal, given the enabling legislation for the payments which stipulates that High-Speed Rail should operate without subsidy. The most recent ‘Business Plan’ assumes ongoing public subsidy.
The $18.89 billion estimate shows the scale of savings available from applying just a 5% savings requirement across all state government departments.
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The $18.89 billion estimate shows the scale of savings available from applying just a 5% savings requirement across all state government departments.
A 10% reduction in executive-branch headcount is estimated to save approximately $2.81 billion based on current salary costs.
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A 10% reduction in executive-branch headcount is estimated to save approximately $2.81 billion based on current salary costs.
Ending state-funded full-scope Medi-Cal for undocumented immigrants: $8.5 billion
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Ending state-funded full-scope Medi-Cal for undocumented immigrants: $8.5 billion
Ending state-funded full-scope Medi-Cal for undocumented immigrants: $8.5 billion Medi-Cal asset-limit reforms: $790 million Premium reforms for certain adults 19 and older: $1.1 billion Prospective Payment System rate reforms: $1.1 billion
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Ending state-funded full-scope Medi-Cal for undocumented immigrants: $8.5 billion Medi-Cal asset-limit reforms: $790 million Premium reforms for certain adults 19 and older: $1.1 billion Prospective Payment System rate reforms: $1.1 billion
Operation Zero Waste will cap what taxpayers can be charged per unit, bring California’s construction costs back in line with the rest of the country, and stop rewarding politically connected developers and contractors for overpriced projects. Eventual savings could be far higher.
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Operation Zero Waste will cap what taxpayers can be charged per unit, bring California’s construction costs back in line with the rest of the country, and stop rewarding politically connected developers and contractors for overpriced projects. Eventual savings could be far higher.
Operation Zero Waste will cut unnecessary nonprofit middlemen, demand transparency about where taxpayer dollars ultimately go, and require a clear separation between taxpayer-funded programs and political activity.
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Operation Zero Waste will cut unnecessary nonprofit middlemen, demand transparency about where taxpayer dollars ultimately go, and require a clear separation between taxpayer-funded programs and political activity.
Operation Zero Waste will target spending on things like First Partner initiatives, taxpayer-funded governor portraits, and state money that supports political activity such as voter registration and ballot harvesting.
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Operation Zero Waste will target spending on things like First Partner initiatives, taxpayer-funded governor portraits, and state money that supports political activity such as voter registration and ballot harvesting.
Modern analytics and AI will help identify duplicative contracts, excessive administrative costs, unusual or fraudulent spending and programs that continue receiving taxpayer money without delivering results.
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Modern analytics and AI will help identify duplicative contracts, excessive administrative costs, unusual or fraudulent spending and programs that continue receiving taxpayer money without delivering results.
If prosecutors prove that someone committed or attempted to commit a felony while intentionally using a mask, hood, disguise or other facial covering to avoid identification, apprehension or prosecution, the criminal would face an additional one, two or three years in prison.
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If prosecutors prove that someone committed or attempted to commit a felony while intentionally using a mask, hood, disguise or other facial covering to avoid identification, apprehension or prosecution, the criminal would face an additional one, two or three years in prison.
Parents will be able to use the existing pupil-fee complaint process. Schools that violate the law will have to provide the supplies and reimburse affected families.
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Parents will be able to use the existing pupil-fee complaint process. Schools that violate the law will have to provide the supplies and reimburse affected families.
Every classroom teacher will receive a $1,000 Classroom Basics Account before the first day of school.
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Every classroom teacher will receive a $1,000 Classroom Basics Account before the first day of school.
Steve will move the Lottery to a 25/65/10 formula: 25 percent for education, 65 percent for prizes and 10 percent for Lottery costs.
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Steve will move the Lottery to a 25/65/10 formula: 25 percent for education, 65 percent for prizes and 10 percent for Lottery costs.
Steve will dedicate two percent of the state General Fund to water affordability and infrastructure, with no tax increase. It will be paid for by cutting waste and ineffective spending elsewhere in the bloated state budget.
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Steve will dedicate two percent of the state General Fund to water affordability and infrastructure, with no tax increase. It will be paid for by cutting waste and ineffective spending elsewhere in the bloated state budget.
California should be using the best weather technology available to operate its reservoirs. Steve will expand Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations, using improved storm and runoff forecasts to help reservoir managers capture more water when it is safe to do so while maintaining flood protection.
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California should be using the best weather technology available to operate its reservoirs. Steve will expand Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations, using improved storm and runoff forecasts to help reservoir managers capture more water when it is safe to do so while maintaining flood protection.
Raise Shasta Dam by 18.5 feet, adding roughly 634,000 acre-feet of storage.
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Raise Shasta Dam by 18.5 feet, adding roughly 634,000 acre-feet of storage.
California has 840 miles of coastline. Seawater desalination should be part of the answer, especially for coastal Southern California.
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California has 840 miles of coastline. Seawater desalination should be part of the answer, especially for coastal Southern California.
Steve will use his appointments, agency authority, budget powers and existing infrastructure-streamlining laws to accelerate qualifying water projects. He will also push broader reforms so storage, treatment, recycling, recharge and repair projects do not spend decades trapped in bureaucracy and litigation.
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Steve will use his appointments, agency authority, budget powers and existing infrastructure-streamlining laws to accelerate qualifying water projects. He will also push broader reforms so storage, treatment, recycling, recharge and repair projects do not spend decades trapped in bureaucracy and litigation.
Steve will prioritize failing and at-risk systems for emergency repairs, treatment upgrades, pipe replacement, leak reduction, grants and low-interest financing. Where local communities support it, smaller systems will be consolidated so families are not forced to carry unreasonable costs on their own.
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Steve will prioritize failing and at-risk systems for emergency repairs, treatment upgrades, pipe replacement, leak reduction, grants and low-interest financing. Where local communities support it, smaller systems will be consolidated so families are not forced to carry unreasonable costs on their own.
Steve will require plain-English water bills showing the cost of debt, state mandates, litigation, imported water, infrastructure and regulatory compliance.
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Steve will require plain-English water bills showing the cost of debt, state mandates, litigation, imported water, infrastructure and regulatory compliance.
California will adopt a bell to bell ban, strictly enforced. Current state law allows schools merely to limit smartphone use. Steve would require smartphones to be turned off and put away from the first bell to the last, with exceptions only for emergencies, medical needs and disabilities.
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California will adopt a bell to bell ban, strictly enforced. Current state law allows schools merely to limit smartphone use. Steve would require smartphones to be turned off and put away from the first bell to the last, with exceptions only for emergencies, medical needs and disabilities.
Every class in every school in California will be required to ask all parents to sign a ‘Wait Until 8th’ contract. The default assumption will be participation in the contract; parents will need to proactively opt out. Lists of parents who opt out will be published. A child with a smartphone will be the odd one out.
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Every class in every school in California will be required to ask all parents to sign a ‘Wait Until 8th’ contract. The default assumption will be participation in the contract; parents will need to proactively opt out. Lists of parents who opt out will be published. A child with a smartphone will be the odd one out.
Every maternal and family health provider in California will be required to invite every new parent in California to sign a ‘Wait Until 8th’ pledge.
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Every maternal and family health provider in California will be required to invite every new parent in California to sign a ‘Wait Until 8th’ pledge.
Any organization receiving funding from the state of California: community groups, after-school clubs, sporting and cultural organizations, faith-based organizations…will be required to commit to a ‘Wait Until 8th’ policy as part of their contract with the state.
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Any organization receiving funding from the state of California: community groups, after-school clubs, sporting and cultural organizations, faith-based organizations…will be required to commit to a ‘Wait Until 8th’ policy as part of their contract with the state.
Steve will bring carriers, manufacturers and retailers together to make affordable call-and-text phones widely available and stop pushing full smartphones at young children. Steve will work with the legislature to make knowingly selling smartphones, tablets or other addictive technology to young children a criminal offense.
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Steve will bring carriers, manufacturers and retailers together to make affordable call-and-text phones widely available and stop pushing full smartphones at young children. Steve will work with the legislature to make knowingly selling smartphones, tablets or other addictive technology to young children a criminal offense.
Steve will put responsibility on the platforms to keep underage children off their products. This will only work if parents, schools, business and the wider community all move together. The goal is a smartphone-free childhood: a real childhood, to make it normal again for children not to have a toxic, addictive smartphone and to give children time for friends, family, play and the beauty and wonder of the real world. Let’s make California the world leader in making childhood more human.
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Steve will put responsibility on the platforms to keep underage children off their products. This will only work if parents, schools, business and the wider community all move together. The goal is a smartphone-free childhood: a real childhood, to make it normal again for children not to have a toxic, addictive smartphone and to give children time for friends, family, play and the beauty and wonder of the real world. Let’s make California the world leader in making childhood more human.
A company that sells technology to schools should not also be setting academic standards, writing curricula or training teachers to use its products.
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A company that sells technology to schools should not also be setting academic standards, writing curricula or training teachers to use its products.
Require organizations advising California education officials to disclose their corporate funding and financial relationships. Big Tech-backed groups should not be presented to parents and policymakers as independent experts.
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Require organizations advising California education officials to disclose their corporate funding and financial relationships. Big Tech-backed groups should not be presented to parents and policymakers as independent experts.
Stop companies from using branded courses and teacher training as marketing. Vendors would be able to explain how to operate a product after a school has purchased it, but they could not use training programs to shape teaching methods or create demand for their products.
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Stop companies from using branded courses and teacher training as marketing. Vendors would be able to explain how to operate a product after a school has purchased it, but they could not use training programs to shape teaching methods or create demand for their products.
Require independent evidence and testing before major new technology is introduced into California classrooms. Schools and parents should be told what evidence shows that the product improves learning, what student information it collects and how much it will cost.
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Require independent evidence and testing before major new technology is introduced into California classrooms. Schools and parents should be told what evidence shows that the product improves learning, what student information it collects and how much it will cost.
Pause the adoption of AI in California schools until a full independent review, to report by the summer of 2027, recommends clear guidelines, including the appropriate grade level for AI to be introduced into the classroom. The review will include public hearings in every county and take evidence from experts and interested parties from around the world, to make sure that California sets the global standard for the use of AI in education.
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Pause the adoption of AI in California schools until a full independent review, to report by the summer of 2027, recommends clear guidelines, including the appropriate grade level for AI to be introduced into the classroom. The review will include public hearings in every county and take evidence from experts and interested parties from around the world, to make sure that California sets the global standard for the use of AI in education.
Steve Hilton will extend California Paid Family Leave from eight weeks to 12 for eligible parents welcoming a child through birth, adoption or foster placement.
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Steve Hilton will extend California Paid Family Leave from eight weeks to 12 for eligible parents welcoming a child through birth, adoption or foster placement.
Workers will not pay for the expansion through higher SDI deductions. The additional benefit will be funded from the General Fund, with matching spending cuts identified in every state budget.
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Workers will not pay for the expansion through higher SDI deductions. The additional benefit will be funded from the General Fund, with matching spending cuts identified in every state budget.
Steve’s Home Help Guarantee for new parents will make home visiting, post-natal and early-family support available to every family that chooses it, beginning with working families who do not have the money to buy this kind of help themselves.
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Steve’s Home Help Guarantee for new parents will make home visiting, post-natal and early-family support available to every family that chooses it, beginning with working families who do not have the money to buy this kind of help themselves.
The people providing support should come from people and places that families already know and trust: local clinics, hospitals, public-health teams, First 5 organizations, faith-based groups, community organizations, and proven nonprofits. Home Helpers could be current health professionals, retired health professionals, or members of the public - like grandparents - with time, wisdom and kindness to offer, who undergo basic training in post-natal care.
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The people providing support should come from people and places that families already know and trust: local clinics, hospitals, public-health teams, First 5 organizations, faith-based groups, community organizations, and proven nonprofits. Home Helpers could be current health professionals, retired health professionals, or members of the public - like grandparents - with time, wisdom and kindness to offer, who undergo basic training in post-natal care.
Parents should be able to get support with feeding a baby, safe sleep, early doctor visits, healthy food, and the questions that come with a child’s first years.
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Parents should be able to get support with feeding a baby, safe sleep, early doctor visits, healthy food, and the questions that come with a child’s first years.
This program will be voluntary. It will not be a condition of benefits. It will not be a test of whether someone is a good parent. And it will not become a back door for government surveillance.
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This program will be voluntary. It will not be a condition of benefits. It will not be a test of whether someone is a good parent. And it will not become a back door for government surveillance.
The state should also encourage hospitals, employers, philanthropies, and local institutions to support the Home Help Guarantee.
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The state should also encourage hospitals, employers, philanthropies, and local institutions to support the Home Help Guarantee.
Steve will prohibit employers from using AI or automated decision systems to determine whether a worker should be fired, disciplined, suspended, demoted, have their regular hours cut, or be deactivated.
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Steve will prohibit employers from using AI or automated decision systems to determine whether a worker should be fired, disciplined, suspended, demoted, have their regular hours cut, or be deactivated.
If an employer takes someone’s job or income away, a named and accountable person must make the judgment and the decision.
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If an employer takes someone’s job or income away, a named and accountable person must make the judgment and the decision.
SB 947’s current version removed independent contractors from the bill. Steve’s rule will not leave app-based workers behind.
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SB 947’s current version removed independent contractors from the bill. Steve’s rule will not leave app-based workers behind.
Workers who believe an employer used AI to decide their fate should be able to bring a complaint to the Labor Commissioner. Companies that hide behind an algorithm should face real consequences.
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Workers who believe an employer used AI to decide their fate should be able to bring a complaint to the Labor Commissioner. Companies that hide behind an algorithm should face real consequences.
Every school will serve a healthy meal every day that is 100% California-sourced. Not occasionally. Not only in districts with a grant writer. Every day. Steve will build on Farm to School but set one standard for the whole state: food grown, raised, or made in California. This would be a massive win not only for our children but for our great farmers and ranchers in California. Steve will lead a new effort to tighten up and enforce definitions, to track the food that ends up in our schools, and reject any federal regulations or procurement rules that stand in the way of California’s ambition. (Of course there will be a very small number of food items that cannot be 100% California-sourced, and such limited exceptions will be permitted.)
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Every school will serve a healthy meal every day that is 100% California-sourced. Not occasionally. Not only in districts with a grant writer. Every day. Steve will build on Farm to School but set one standard for the whole state: food grown, raised, or made in California. This would be a massive win not only for our children but for our great farmers and ranchers in California. Steve will lead a new effort to tighten up and enforce definitions, to track the food that ends up in our schools, and reject any federal regulations or procurement rules that stand in the way of California’s ambition. (Of course there will be a very small number of food items that cannot be 100% California-sourced, and such limited exceptions will be permitted.)
Steve will end California state spending on ultra-processed food for children. This has already been legislated but as so often in California, is not properly implemented or enforced. One of the barriers is the lack of an agreed-upon definition. As governor, Steve will fast track the definition and the ban, prioritizing the voices of families, farmers and health professionals, not the Big Food lobby. And in order to fully implement the ban on Ultra-Processed Food, we also need to fast-track fresh food preparation infrastructure and training.
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Steve will end California state spending on ultra-processed food for children. This has already been legislated but as so often in California, is not properly implemented or enforced. One of the barriers is the lack of an agreed-upon definition. As governor, Steve will fast track the definition and the ban, prioritizing the voices of families, farmers and health professionals, not the Big Food lobby. And in order to fully implement the ban on Ultra-Processed Food, we also need to fast-track fresh food preparation infrastructure and training.
Steve will end state contracts with giant industrial food-service providers that use ultra-processed food or food from out of state to feed California children. California will use its buying power to support California farmers, ranchers, fishers, food makers, and regional kitchens. California grows it here. California should serve it here. Steve will work with the federal government to make sure there are no barriers to full implementation and funding. And Steve will work directly with farmers and their representative organizations to create close partnerships for direct sales to schools and other state-supported institutions, ensuring both a guaranteed California market and a better price.
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Steve will end state contracts with giant industrial food-service providers that use ultra-processed food or food from out of state to feed California children. California will use its buying power to support California farmers, ranchers, fishers, food makers, and regional kitchens. California grows it here. California should serve it here. Steve will work with the federal government to make sure there are no barriers to full implementation and funding. And Steve will work directly with farmers and their representative organizations to create close partnerships for direct sales to schools and other state-supported institutions, ensuring both a guaranteed California market and a better price.
As governor, Steve will push for a culture in schools that prioritizes food, food education and proper time to eat together. Specifically, the goal will be to see some form of Edible Schoolyard project in every school, adapted to the space it has. Children should have the chance to grow food, taste food, learn to cook it, and understand the connection between a healthy meal and a rich, healthy life with strong human relationships.
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As governor, Steve will push for a culture in schools that prioritizes food, food education and proper time to eat together. Specifically, the goal will be to see some form of Edible Schoolyard project in every school, adapted to the space it has. Children should have the chance to grow food, taste food, learn to cook it, and understand the connection between a healthy meal and a rich, healthy life with strong human relationships.
Another massive untapped resource for the goals laid out in this paper are our great local restaurants and chefs. They have so much to offer, not just in the school setting but including opportunities for work experience, skills training and personal development. Steve will work with restaurants, chefs, and their professional and representative organizations to foster ties between local restaurants, chefs - whether working or retired - and local schools.
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Another massive untapped resource for the goals laid out in this paper are our great local restaurants and chefs. They have so much to offer, not just in the school setting but including opportunities for work experience, skills training and personal development. Steve will work with restaurants, chefs, and their professional and representative organizations to foster ties between local restaurants, chefs - whether working or retired - and local schools.
In its first 100 days, the office will conduct a Fun and Freedom Audit of state rules affecting nightlife, live entertainment, community events, food pop-ups, public recreation and social spaces. Every agency will have to identify which restrictions are required by law, which prevent a specific harm and which survive only because nobody has bothered to remove them. Steve will send the Legislature a package to repeal or rewrite the worst of them.
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In its first 100 days, the office will conduct a Fun and Freedom Audit of state rules affecting nightlife, live entertainment, community events, food pop-ups, public recreation and social spaces. Every agency will have to identify which restrictions are required by law, which prevent a specific harm and which survive only because nobody has bothered to remove them. Steve will send the Legislature a package to repeal or rewrite the worst of them.
California law currently prohibits alcohol sales between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Cities should be allowed to create clearly defined late-night zones where qualified venues can serve until 4 a.m. or even later if there is local approval. Each zone would need a plan for security, noise, transit and safe rides home, with public reporting and the power to suspend the privilege if serious problems develop. This is a local community choice, not a statewide mandate.
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California law currently prohibits alcohol sales between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Cities should be allowed to create clearly defined late-night zones where qualified venues can serve until 4 a.m. or even later if there is local approval. Each zone would need a plan for security, noise, transit and safe rides home, with public reporting and the power to suspend the privilege if serious problems develop. This is a local community choice, not a statewide mandate.
ABC rules ban free drinks, two-for-one offers and all-you-can-drink promotions. Steve will replace the blanket approach with clear time and quantity limits that allow ordinary promotions, including a complimentary drink or a two-for-one offer, while keeping firm rules against unlimited service, serving minors and serving obviously intoxicated patrons. The state can punish overserving without treating every customer and bartender like a child.
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ABC rules ban free drinks, two-for-one offers and all-you-can-drink promotions. Steve will replace the blanket approach with clear time and quantity limits that allow ordinary promotions, including a complimentary drink or a two-for-one offer, while keeping firm rules against unlimited service, serving minors and serving obviously intoxicated patrons. The state can punish overserving without treating every customer and bartender like a child.
Small bars, coffee shops and restaurants should not need a stack of overlapping approvals just to host a band or let people dance. A new Small Venue Permit will combine entertainment, dancing, amplified sound and related local reviews into one application with objective rules and a 30-day deadline. Noise, occupancy, fire safety and closing-hour rules will still apply, but applicants will no longer be bounced from office to office.
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Small bars, coffee shops and restaurants should not need a stack of overlapping approvals just to host a band or let people dance. A new Small Venue Permit will combine entertainment, dancing, amplified sound and related local reviews into one application with objective rules and a 30-day deadline. Noise, occupancy, fire safety and closing-hour rules will still apply, but applicants will no longer be bounced from office to office.
At temporary events, food vendors can face separate health permits even when the event itself already needs approval. California will create one umbrella permit for organizers whose vendors meet standard health rules. Low-risk vendors selling prepackaged or approved cottage foods will use a quick notification process, while higher-risk cooking will still get the inspection it needs. The rule should match the risk, not bury every food booth in the same paperwork. Importantly, it will not be allowed to further entrench the menace of street vendors that are destroying brick and mortar businesses.
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At temporary events, food vendors can face separate health permits even when the event itself already needs approval. California will create one umbrella permit for organizers whose vendors meet standard health rules. Low-risk vendors selling prepackaged or approved cottage foods will use a quick notification process, while higher-risk cooking will still get the inspection it needs. The rule should match the risk, not bury every food booth in the same paperwork. Importantly, it will not be allowed to further entrench the menace of street vendors that are destroying brick and mortar businesses.
ABC currently requires authorization for every catering event, even when the caterer already holds a state permit and has a clean record. Licensed caterers in good standing will be able to register routine events through instant online notice instead of waiting for another approval. Case-by-case review will be reserved for large or high-risk events, street closures and operators with past violations, with a simpler low-cost path for nonprofit fundraisers.
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ABC currently requires authorization for every catering event, even when the caterer already holds a state permit and has a clean record. Licensed caterers in good standing will be able to register routine events through instant online notice instead of waiting for another approval. Case-by-case review will be reserved for large or high-risk events, street closures and operators with past violations, with a simpler low-cost path for nonprofit fundraisers.
Too many families arrive at the coast to find that beach fires are prohibited even where a managed fire-ring program could work. State Parks will expand designated fire rings and cookout areas where conditions allow, using reservations, approved fuels, cleanup rules and immediate closures during high fire danger or bad air conditions. Safety changes with the weather and the location. The default should not be a permanent no.
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Too many families arrive at the coast to find that beach fires are prohibited even where a managed fire-ring program could work. State Parks will expand designated fire rings and cookout areas where conditions allow, using reservations, approved fuels, cleanup rules and immediate closures during high fire danger or bad air conditions. Safety changes with the weather and the location. The default should not be a permanent no.
State law now allows locally approved cannabis cafes, yet the legal path is still closed in much of the state. The Office of Fun and Freedom will provide a ready-to-adopt local ordinance and a fast, coordinated permit for age-restricted licensed lounges and cafes, with worker ventilation protections, no alcohol and strict rules against impaired driving. Local communities will still decide whether to participate. Most communities would much prefer indoor public use rather than the increasingly pervasive stench of weed in public places.
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State law now allows locally approved cannabis cafes, yet the legal path is still closed in much of the state. The Office of Fun and Freedom will provide a ready-to-adopt local ordinance and a fast, coordinated permit for age-restricted licensed lounges and cafes, with worker ventilation protections, no alcohol and strict rules against impaired driving. Local communities will still decide whether to participate. Most communities would much prefer indoor public use rather than the increasingly pervasive stench of weed in public places.
Steve will create a Small Gathering Place rule for independent bars, music venues, coffee shops and community spaces opening in existing commercial buildings. Qualifying projects will get one application, one project manager and a 60-day decision, with by-right approval when objective zoning, occupancy, fire, accessibility and noise standards are met. Vacant storefronts should become places where people meet, not monuments to California’s permitting bureaucracy.
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Steve will create a Small Gathering Place rule for independent bars, music venues, coffee shops and community spaces opening in existing commercial buildings. Qualifying projects will get one application, one project manager and a 60-day decision, with by-right approval when objective zoning, occupancy, fire, accessibility and noise standards are met. Vacant storefronts should become places where people meet, not monuments to California’s permitting bureaucracy.
Steve will order a full audit of every DMV function, office, lease, contract, and cost. It will report within three months. He will then send the Legislature a No More DMV Act to eliminate the Department of Motor Vehicles.
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Steve will order a full audit of every DMV function, office, lease, contract, and cost. It will report within three months. He will then send the Legislature a No More DMV Act to eliminate the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Steve Hilton will abolish the DMV, set annual vehicle registration at a flat $73, and give Californians better, cheaper options.
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Steve Hilton will abolish the DMV, set annual vehicle registration at a flat $73, and give Californians better, cheaper options.
No field office will close until people in that area have an equal or better in-person option. Rural communities will have mobile service where a permanent location is not practical.
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No field office will close until people in that area have an equal or better in-person option. Rural communities will have mobile service where a permanent location is not practical.
Any organization trusted with a public function must earn that trust. Service centers will face strict requirements for training, background checks, data security, accessibility, record accuracy, and customer service. The state will conduct random audits, investigate fraud, publish performance results, and revoke certification from providers that cut corners or treat people badly.
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Any organization trusted with a public function must earn that trust. Service centers will face strict requirements for training, background checks, data security, accessibility, record accuracy, and customer service. The state will conduct random audits, investigate fraud, publish performance results, and revoke certification from providers that cut corners or treat people badly.
Every county office and certified service center will connect to one secure state system, use the same identity-verification rules, and follow the same recordkeeping standards. California will continue to meet REAL ID requirements and commercial-driver rules. As separately announced, CDLs will no longer be issued to foreign nationals who don’t speak English.
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Every county office and certified service center will connect to one secure state system, use the same identity-verification rules, and follow the same recordkeeping standards. California will continue to meet REAL ID requirements and commercial-driver rules. As separately announced, CDLs will no longer be issued to foreign nationals who don’t speak English.
For suitable state-owned sites, local community colleges, registered apprenticeship programs, and employer partnerships will get the first opportunity to turn former DMV offices into after-school clubs that serve as skills and job-training centers. The focus will be on training that leads directly to work in each community: construction trades, electrical work, HVAC, welding, health-care support, logistics, commercial driving, water and energy infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.
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For suitable state-owned sites, local community colleges, registered apprenticeship programs, and employer partnerships will get the first opportunity to turn former DMV offices into after-school clubs that serve as skills and job-training centers. The focus will be on training that leads directly to work in each community: construction trades, electrical work, HVAC, welding, health-care support, logistics, commercial driving, water and energy infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.
Ending unnecessary leases, shrinking the state back office, eliminating redundant overhead, and using competitively selected local service centers will reduce the cost of providing driver and vehicle services. Every contract will be measured against the current cost per transaction. If a provider cannot deliver better service at a lower cost, it will lose the contract.
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Ending unnecessary leases, shrinking the state back office, eliminating redundant overhead, and using competitively selected local service centers will reduce the cost of providing driver and vehicle services. Every contract will be measured against the current cost per transaction. If a provider cannot deliver better service at a lower cost, it will lose the contract.
Steve will extend the $500 limit to the Legislature. While a matter is pending and for 12 months afterward, anyone lobbying for it will be barred from contributing more than $500 to the lawmakers voting on it.
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Steve will extend the $500 limit to the Legislature. While a matter is pending and for 12 months afterward, anyone lobbying for it will be barred from contributing more than $500 to the lawmakers voting on it.
Every covered contribution and lobbying matter will be published in a searchable database within 48 hours. The principle is simple. Make your case. Win the argument. But you do not get to buy access or favorable treatment.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Every covered contribution and lobbying matter will be published in a searchable database within 48 hours. The principle is simple. Make your case. Win the argument. But you do not get to buy access or favorable treatment.
Steve opposes Proposition 4.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Steve opposes Proposition 4.
Records of substantiated misconduct by lawmakers will be made public, with appropriate protection for victims and witnesses. Politicians should not be able to hide their own misconduct under rules they wrote for themselves.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Records of substantiated misconduct by lawmakers will be made public, with appropriate protection for victims and witnesses. Politicians should not be able to hide their own misconduct under rules they wrote for themselves.
Recent laws restricting non-disclosure agreements during negotiations over legislation and regulations are a start. Steve will extend the ban to state budgets, contracts, labor agreements, legal settlements and major public-works projects.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Recent laws restricting non-disclosure agreements during negotiations over legislation and regulations are a start. Steve will extend the ban to state budgets, contracts, labor agreements, legal settlements and major public-works projects.
State contracts, grants, settlements, bids, change orders and payments will be published in one searchable public database.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
State contracts, grants, settlements, bids, change orders and payments will be published in one searchable public database.
Steve will order an immediate independent audit of the project.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Steve will order an immediate independent audit of the project.
Public-record research limitation
This does not mean the candidate has no prior public service or record. A record will attach only after an authoritative office history and stable provider identity are established; names, titles, attendance, and inferred responsibility are insufficient.
Official filings may be amended after publication.
California Secretary of State CAL-ACCESS committee totals for May 17, 2026 through June 30, 2026.
These are the latest Form 460 totals for the one exact current-race committee linked to this candidate. Late-contribution reports may post before they are incorporated into the next Form 460.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
CAL-ACCESS candidate: HILTON, STEVE (ID 1480426)
Candidate: Stephen Hilton
Committee: Steve Hilton for Governor 2026 (ID 1480425)
Office code: GOV
Reporting period: 2026-05-17 through 2026-06-30
Total contributions 1/1/2026 through 2026-06-30: $11820629.23
Total expenditures 1/1/2026 through 2026-06-30: $13080315.61
Ending cash: $2163517.07
Outstanding debts: $1452016.22
Claims that did not clear the publication standard remain visibly excluded.
Reason: PRIMARY_CAMPAIGN_REVIEW_COMPLETE_FOR_LISTED_PAGES_WIDER_SOURCE_SEARCH_PENDING
All 30 documents linked in the captured campaign policy index have now been read in their rendered context, alongside the earlier homepage, biography and expanded plan. This pass adds brief attributed summaries of the remaining 23 documents. Summaries do not exhaust every subclause, and historical proposals retain their timing. News, recordings, questionnaires, historical publications and newly published statements remain pending. Campaign allegations, spending estimates, projected savings, legal interpretations and biographical claims are not independently established by these source-attribution checks.
Every profile claim points back to retained source evidence.
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