FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton rallied supporters at Woodward Park in northeast Fresno on Thursday as he made a final push ahead of the Nov. 3 election, outlining his plans for California and emphasizing issues including agriculture, fuel prices and affordability.
Speaking to supporters at the event, Hilton highlighted his support for the state’s agricultural industry.
“When I’m governor, I will be the greatest champion for our farmers and agriculture that this state has ever seen,” Hilton said.
The rally drew a crowd of supporters, including several Valley leaders. Among them was Fresno City Councilmember Nick Richardson, who voiced support for Hilton’s campaign.
“Understand that you want something different than what our state government is giving us,” Richardson said.
“The most immediate thing we can do is to suspend the gas tax, the hidden gas tax, like the low carbon fuel standard and the cap and invest programs,” Hilton said.
The issue comes as California leaders examine alternatives to the state’s gas tax, including a proposal that could replace it with a fee based on the number of miles driven. Revenue from such a fee would go toward road and highway repairs.
Asked about the proposal in an interview with KCRA, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra defended the need to fund transportation infrastructure.
Thomas Holyoake, a political science professor at Fresno State, said Republican candidates face significant challenges in statewide races.
“When it comes down to a race between a Democrat and a Republican, the Democrat starts off with an enormous advantage in numbers. And the Republican has to find some way to cut into that, some kind of message that resonates with the electorate And it doesn’t seem like Steve Hilton has found that magic message,” Holyoake said.
Despite the poll numbers, Hilton said he remains confident as Election Day approaches. Becerra’s campaign criticized Hilton’s proposals and said Becerra is prepared to lead California forward.
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