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Steve Hilton, the Republican nominee for governor of California, is navigating the challenge of balancing an endorsement from President Donald Trump while appealing to moderate Democrats and independents who largely dislike Trump. In a recent campaign ad, Hilton emphasized economic issues such as high utility bills and gas prices, suggesting he aims to attract voters frustrated with the current political climate in California. Despite his efforts, Hilton trails Democrat Xavier Becerra by a significant margin. Additionally, Hilton takes a pro-AI stance, advocating for prioritizing economic opportunities over strict regulation, aligning somewhat with Trump’s views on artificial intelligence.
Written locally by qwen2.5:14b on 2026-09-18,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
Steve Hilton, the Republican nominee for governor of California, is grappling with how to leverage an endorsement from President Donald Trump despite Trump's unpopularity in the state. California voted against Trump by 20 points two years ago. In a recent campaign ad and interview with Semafor, Hilton appealed directly to moderate Democrats and independents who dislike Trump but are seeking change in California. He stated, "Maybe you hate Trump. Maybe you hate Republicans. I don’t care," highlighting issues such as high gas prices and utility bills. While acknowledging that Trump's support could help him with the Republican base, Hilton currently trails Democrat Xavier Becerra by a significant margin. Additionally, Hilton took a stance on AI safety similar to Trump’s, describing current fears around AI as "completely ludicrous hysteria" and advocating for prioritizing economic opportunities rather than rushing into new regulations.
Written for “Hilton California Political Campaign” on 2026-10-04,
grounded in this article and the 0 other(s) covering the same event.
The News
Steve Hilton, the Republican nominee for governor of California, is facing an acute version of the challenge familiar to GOP candidates nationwide: how to make the most of an endorsement from President Donald Trump as the president’s popularity wanes.
asserted
popularity → face → Trump
In an interview with Semafor, Hilton acknowledged the challenge he faces in a state Trump lost by 20 points two years ago.
asserted
Trump → acknowledge → points
“I think the starting point is that we’ve got millions of moderate Democrats and independents in California.
asserted
we → think → California
They don’t like the president, to put it mildly, but they are really desperate for change in California,” Hilton said.
asserted
Hilton → like → California
In a recent campaign ad, he told voters, “Maybe you hate Trump.
asserted
you → tell → Trump
Maybe you hate Republicans.
asserted
you → hate → Republicans
I don’t care.
asserted
I → care → ?
Politicians screaming doesn’t lower gas prices.
asserted
screaming → scream → prices
Life here has become impossible for anyone who isn’t already rich.
asserted
who → become → anyone
We are going to fix that.”
asserted
We → go → that
At the same time, Hilton said Trump’s support could help him with the Republican base.
uncertain
support → say → base
He needs all the help he can get: Hilton currently trails Democrat Xavier Becerra by a wide margin.
asserted
Hilton → need → margin
Know More
Hilton faces a similar balancing act on another defining California issue: artificial intelligence.
asserted
Hilton → know → issue
California is home to the leading frontier labs driving the AI boom, but a vast majority of state residents share the anti-data center sentiment sweeping the country.
asserted
majority → lead → country
On AI safety, Hilton struck a position closer to Trump’s, describing what he called a “completely ludicrous hysteria going on right now” around AI, arguing that California should prioritize the technology’s economic opportunities rather than rush into new rules.
asserted
California → strike → rules
“I think panic driven policymaking usually ends in disaster with a whole bunch of unintended consequences,” Hilton said.
asserted
Hilton → think → consequences
“I would favor the opportunity side of the argument rather than the doom side.”
asserted
I → favor → side
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