A video posted on the social media platform X shows California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton calling out Xavier Becerra for allegedly canceling an appearance at the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Convention.
Hilton’s remarks drew reactions online, with some users supporting his small-business proposals while others questioned whether he could pass them in California’s Democratic-controlled government. Some even used the video to ask how he plans to implement these suggestions.
In the video, Gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton sits onstage at the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Convention. The person sitting beside him asks him the question, “Latinos are starting businesses at a faster rate than many other segments of the economy. What would you propose to make it easier and more affordable to start and run and grow a business?
To this, he enthusiastically replies, “It’s outrageous to me that the first thing you have to do if you want to start a business in California is pay the government $800. Just that ridiculous small business registration fee. That is gonna be abolished when I’m Governor.” Hilton was referring to California’s $800 annual tax that applies to LLCs doing business or organized in the state, not a general registration fee that every Californian must pay simply to start a business.
Hilton then used the X post to criticize fellow gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra for allegedly canceling his appearance, reading, “Becerra was booked too, but he CANCELED. The absolute arrogance of this corrupt machine! He thinks he’ll become governor without even running.“
“Well I showed up. Unlike Becerra, the 36 year career politician, I’ve worked in business most of my career, including as a small business owner. I know EXACTLY how tough things have gotten for small businesses after 16 years of one party rule.”
Hilton also promoted several proposals he said would benefit small businesses, including what he described as making the first $150,000 “tax-free,” eliminating the $800 annual tax and reducing regulations. He also called for ending PAGA lawsuits.PAGA refers to California’s Private Attorneys General Act, which allows workers to bring certain Labor Code claims on their own behalf, on behalf of other employees, and on behalf of the state.
Comments and Reactions to Steve Hilton Criticizing Xavier Becerra
Some users responded positively to Hilton’s small-business proposals. One person within the comments expressed their support by writing, “End PAGA lawsuits!!!! Finally someone is paying attention 👍🙏.“
Other users questioned whether Hilton could actually implement his proposals with Democrats controlling the state Legislature. A different commenter spoke on this, writing, “Sounds convincing, you have my vote if you can clearly demonstrate how exactly do you plan to execute that “plan” with an all dems (against you) in Sacramento? @Schwarzenegger struggled as well with this issue getting things pushed through.”
Hilton’s post ultimately sparked two different conversations: whether California’s costs and regulations make it too difficult to run a small business and whether a Republican governor could deliver the changes Hilton is promising with Democrats controlling Sacramento.
