Hilton rallies in Oceanside with eight days left in race

Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton addressed a crowd in Oceanside on Monday, marking his final public appearance before the state's midterm elections.

Hilton spoke for approximately one hour to an energized audience. He paused periodically to pose for photographs with supporters. His platform centers on lowering taxes and gas prices while increasing enforcement against crime. He stated that his administration would end mass homelessness in California by the end of 2027. Hilton characterized his opponent, Democrat Xavier Becerra, as a continuation of the status quo. "Have you had enough of this bloated bureaucratic nanny-state government bossing us around from morning till night," Hilton told the audience.

A major point of discussion at the rally was the Tijuana River sewage crisis. Hilton pledged to resolve the issue, telling the crowd, "We will stop the sewage from Mexico one way or another." The promise drew one of the largest responses of the event. Jerry and Terrie St. John of Oceanside, who had already voted early, expressed support for Hilton's plan. "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," Terrie St. John said. Diana Parkman from Vista, a long-time supporter, cited the candidate's energy policy. "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 in the crowd, said she was switching her support to Hilton. "We used to be a party united in one cause which was helping the underdog, and I'm not seeing that anymore," Barrera said.

Becerra's campaign released a statement responding to Hilton's rally. A campaign spokesperson said, "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."

Before Hilton took the stage, other Republican candidates addressed the group. Jim Desmond, along with candidates for state controller and lieutenant governor, spoke to the attendees. Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3.