Hilton targets gas and sewage

Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton addressed voters in Oceanside on Monday, eight days before the Nov. 3 election. The candidate spoke for approximately one hour to a crowd that included early voters and out-of-state supporters. His central message focused on reducing state costs and managing the border environment.

Hilton pledged to lower taxes and gas prices while cracking down on crime. He stated that his administration would end mass homelessness in California by the end of 2027. During his speech, he characterized his opponent, Xavier Becerra, as a continuation of the current bureaucratic system.

"Have you had enough of this bloated bureaucratic nanny-state government bossing us around from morning till night," Hilton said. He drew a strong reaction from the audience when he addressed the Tijuana River sewage issue affecting the region. "We will stop the sewage from Mexico one way or another," he told the crowd.

Supporters cited specific policy goals as reasons for their support. Terrie St. John of Oceanside said the couple had already cast an early ballot for Hilton. "I like the fact that he wants to clean up the streets and help the homeless and start to have the state get back to where it should be," St. John said. Diana Parkman of Vista highlighted the candidate's energy platform. "We like the idea of him drilling again, bringing gas prices down to three dollars a gallon, to help with the homeless people," Parkman said.

Kari Barrera, a Democrat present at the rally, said she was switching parties due to a perceived shift in the Democratic platform. "We used to be a party united in one cause which was helping the underdog, and I'm not seeing that anymore," Barrera said. Other Republican candidates, including Jim Desmond and candidates for state controller and lieutenant governor, also spoke to the audience before Hilton took the stage.

Becerra’s campaign responded to the rally in a statement sent to media outlets. "Donald Trump keeps driving up costs, and his lapdog Steve Hilton keeps applauding. Xavier Becerra spent the last decade making health care and prescription drugs more affordable. Becerra is ready to lead California forward," the statement read. The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3.