Becerra and Hilton clash on affordability in final California campaign push

California’s two major gubernatorial candidates are presenting opposing economic platforms to voters in the final hours before Tuesday’s election. While Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra focuses on reducing consumer costs through federal policy changes and healthcare efficiency, Republican candidate Steve Hilton proposes a major tax cut for middle-income earners.

Becerra addressed a crowd of union members in Oceanside on Sunday for a final rally. He was joined by fellow candidates Mara Elliott and Catherine Blakespear, Senate President Pro Tem Monique Limón, and Doug Moore of the UDW. Becerra emphasized the role of labor in the state’s political process. “You’re doing all of us the service that we need because without you, there is no we,” he told the attendees.

The Democratic candidate attributed rising prices for gas and groceries to federal actions. He argued that halting the war in Iran would lower gasoline prices, while removing tariffs would reduce the cost of food. “Everything is costing too much money,” Becerra said. He also pledged to improve how state healthcare funds are used, stating that the administration would ensure money goes toward actual patient care rather than administration.

Steve Hilton, the Republican candidate, outlined a different strategy during a Thursday interview. He proposed eliminating state income tax on the first $150,000 of a Californian’s earnings. Hilton estimated the measure would cost the state approximately $25 billion. He argued the deficit could be covered by cutting state spending, specifically citing the high-speed rail project. “The quickest way to get more money in people’s pockets is for the government to take less out,” Hilton said.

Affordability has become the central theme of the campaign, with both parties citing the cost of living as the primary driver for voters. Becerra’s campaign stressed the need for collective action, telling supporters that their voting power is essential to shaping the state’s future. The Oceanside event served as a last call for undecided voters to submit their ballots before the deadline.

With Election Day set for Tuesday, the candidates are finalizing their outreach efforts. The race centers on whether voters prefer increased government intervention to lower costs or a reduction in state taxation to increase take-home pay. Both campaigns have released final messaging focused on economic relief for working families.