California Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton appeared on Fox News over the weekend. He criticized Democratic rival Xavier Becerra for saying “everything should be on the table” when asked about a potential mileage tax on drivers. The remarks, made in a recent KCRA interview, come as the state studies replacing declining gas tax revenue with a vehicle-miles-traveled fee. Online users reacted after the appearance, with many pointing to California’s already high gas taxes and vehicle registration fees. Hilton has said he would veto any such tax if elected.
In the clip, California Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton appears on Fox News’ The Big Weekend Show wearing a sign reading “BECERRA’S MILEAGE TAX $1,044.54.” The footage shows him addressing the race, saying, “There’s an energy that is unmistakable,” and adding, “If everyone who voted Republican two years ago comes out to vote now, we can win just with that.” The $1,044.54 figure on Hilton’s sign reflects an estimate used by opponents of a mileage tax, not a tax amount proposed by Becerra. California has not approved a statewide mileage tax or established a final per-mile rate.
He also remarks, “I suspect there is a big hidden vote for change in California,” while noting polls that show Democratic rival Xavier Becerra ahead. The video does not show the full exchange about the tax proposal itself, but it shows the sign referencing it throughout much of the segment.
Hilton’s appearance followed comments by Becerra in a KCRA interview in which he said “everything should be on the table” when asked about a potential vehicle-miles-traveled fee to fund roads as gas tax revenue declines. The poster described the idea as “anti-affordability from the party that’s been SCREAMING ‘affordability’ for the past year straight.” Hilton has pledged to veto any such measure.
Becerra’s campaign has stated that he has not proposed a mileage tax, noting that working families already contribute and emphasizing other revenue approaches. The state is completing a study on the concept, and no statewide tax has been approved.
Online Reactions to the California Mileage Tax Discussion
Several responses backed Hilton and called for votes against further taxes on driving. One wrote, “All Democrats in California need to vote for Steve Hilton. Please do the right thing and put aside your anger for Trump. It isn’t sustainable anymore for us to keep going in the wrong direction.” Another said, “We need Steve Hilton.”
Additional replies included “Wake up California. VOTE HILTON!!!” and “Save California. Vote Steve Hilton.”
Others focused on affordability and criticized Becerra. One commenter stated, “Becerra is a crook and will increase costs on California. If Cali votes him in – they deserve it!!! Conservatives should all leave the state,” while another wrote, “Xavier Becerra is an *expletive*!!!” and a third remarked, “Taxation is theft.”
For now, Hilton’s appearance has added one more moment to the ongoing debate in California’s gubernatorial race over driving costs and potential new fees. Online discussion continues to center on the candidates’ positions as voters weigh the issue ahead of the election.
