Advocates for a radical tax overhaul: eliminate state income tax for the first $100,000 of income and implement a 7.5% flat tax above that threshold, reducing state revenue by an estimated $60 billion.
Critiques California's energy policy, arguing for increased in-state oil production to reduce reliance on foreign oil (specifically from Iraq) and lower costs for consumers.
Alleges massive government waste and corruption, citing an estimate of $425 billion in fraud and abuse over 5 years and specific diversions of funds from cannabis and climate initiatives to political nonprofits.
Believes regulatory burdens, particularly the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), stifle economic development, block housing construction, and dramatically increase costs.
Opposes the proposed billionaire tax, viewing it as a 'complete disaster' that would be detrimental to Silicon Valley's tech ecosystem.
Last 16 Years
Hilton claims that over Governor Gavin Newsom's 16 years in statewide politics, his number one donor category has been government unions.
Last 10 Years
Hilton asserts that during this period, California's state budget has nearly doubled, and for all 10 years, Chief Executive magazine has ranked its business climate 50th out of 50 states.
Last 5 Years
According to Hilton's team's estimates, California lost $425 billion to fraud, waste, and abuse, while the state budget increased by approximately 75%.
Trump Administration
Hilton notes a federal waiver was created during this period to bypass a Medicaid rule limiting mental health facility size, which he claims California has not applied for.
Present Day
Hilton describes California as having the highest poverty, unemployment, gas prices, and electricity bills in the US, and importing nearly 80% of its oil.
Candidacy Period
As a candidate for Governor, Hilton proposes a radical tax plan to make the first $100k of income tax-free, a policy which he claims has received an endorsement from Democratic candidate Katie Porter.
▶Fiscal Mismanagement and Systemic WasteMay 2026
Hilton argues that California's government is plagued by inefficiency and corruption, citing an estimated $425 billion lost to fraud and waste over five years. He points to specific instances of diverted funds from cannabis and climate taxes as evidence of a system that enriches politically connected nonprofits rather than serving the public.
This narrative of fiscal irresponsibility is central to his political platform, aiming to resonate with voters concerned about high taxes and a perceived lack of return on investment from state spending.
▶Regressive Economic Burden on the Middle ClassMay 2026
He contends that California's policies disproportionately harm lower and middle-income residents, citing the state's high poverty rate, unemployment, and cost of living. His proposed tax plan, eliminating income tax on the first $100,000, is framed as a direct solution to this problem, benefiting an estimated 7 million households.
By focusing on the economic struggles of non-elites, Hilton attempts to broaden his appeal beyond a traditional conservative base, positioning his tax cuts as a form of progressive relief.
▶Counterproductive Energy and Environmental PoliciesMay 2026
Hilton criticizes California's energy strategy, highlighting the paradox of having significant oil reserves while importing nearly 80% of its oil, with Iraq being the top source. He blames regulations and state agencies like CARB and CalGEM for high energy prices and stifled domestic production.
This theme challenges the prevailing environmental narrative in California, suggesting that current green policies have unintended negative consequences for the economy and global emissions, which could be a potent argument for industries impacted by these regulations.
▶Proposed 'California Comeback' via Deregulation and Tax ReformMay 2026
Hilton's core message is a call for a fundamental shift in governance, centered on a major tax cut and deregulation. He believes these changes will revitalize the state's business climate (ranked 50th for 10 years), reduce the cost of living, and reverse the trend of economic decline.
His platform represents a classic supply-side economic argument, betting that lower taxes and fewer regulations will unleash economic growth sufficient to offset the significant projected revenue decrease of $60 billion.