California gubernatorial candidates clash over taxes and policy

Republican candidate Steve Hilton is facing criticism from within his own party following the release of a controversial campaign advertisement. The video, titled ‘Just Try It, California,’ features two women in a suggestive setting, leading Republican nominees Sonja Shaw and Michael Gates to condemn the ad as ‘creepy, weird, disturbing garbage’ and an inappropriate use of women as political tools.

In the lead-up to the 2026 California gubernatorial election, Hilton and Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra recently participated in a CNN debate. The discussion focused heavily on the cost of living, a primary concern for voters. Hilton proposed cutting state income taxes for those earning up to $150,000 and eliminating the state gas tax to incentivize business retention. Becerra countered that Hilton’s tax plans would disproportionately benefit the wealthy and drain essential funding from public schools, healthcare, and housing.

Polling currently shows Becerra leading the race with 57 percent of the vote compared to Hilton’s 35 percent.