California political candidates face scrutiny over rhetoric and fiscal plans

California gubernatorial candidates are facing scrutiny over controversial statements and fiscal proposals. Los Angeles mayoral hopeful Nithya Raman has faced backlash following a social media video in which she used the phrase “fascist liars” alongside images of Mayor Karen Bass and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. While Raman’s campaign claims the remarks were directed at federal immigration authorities and the Trump administration, the Los Angeles Police Protective League warned that the imagery, which included a red X over the police chief’s face, could endanger officers.

In a separate campaign forum, Republican candidate Steve Hilton called for an end to Democratic control in California, citing the state’s economic rankings and population decline. Hilton proposed a “Working Class Tax Cut” that would make the first $150,000 of income tax-free. To fund his platform, which includes reducing gas prices, Hilton suggested cutting spending on high-speed rail and addressing alleged fraud in Medi-Cal through a program called “Operation Zero Waste.”