BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) With California’s governor’s race taking shape, Republican candidate Steve Hilton kicked off what he called the “second phase” of his campaign with a press conference in Boyle Heights, aiming to broaden his appeal to working-class Latino voters.
“So today we’re launching the second phase of this campaign to make California exactly what we want it to be. What so many people are looking for,” Hilton said.
Hilton was joined at the event by Gloria Romero, a candidate for lieutenant governor, who focused her remarks on the economic challenges facing Latino Californians.
Steve Hilton announces California governor general election campaign in Boyle Heights (Photo: Adobe Stock)
“Latinos are 40% of California. 39% of its workforce. We work. But we remain the working poor. We power California’s economy, but we can’t afford the California dream,” Romero said.
Hilton and Romero argued that working-class Latino voters have been let down by years of Democratic policies.
“They’ve abandoned the working class. They’ve abandoned the Latino community. They’ve abandoned communities like this one in Boyle Heights,” Hilton said.
The campaign launch comes as Hilton trails his opponent, Xavier Becerra, in a recent Public Policy Institute of California poll by 25 points.
Ian Anderson, a political science professor at Taft and Bakersfield College, said the polling suggests Hilton faces steep odds.
“So, it’s a long shot. The polls do show Becerra up by a lot,” Anderson said.
Steve Hilton announces California governor general election campaign in Boyle Heights (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Anderson said Hilton’s best opportunity to narrow the gap is to keep his message centered on cost-of-living concerns.
“If he keeps it, focused on California affordability issues. There is definitely a chance to bridge that gap,” he said.
But Anderson warned that tying the campaign too closely to national politics could hurt Hilton, particularly against an opponent with extensive government experience.
Steve Hilton announces California governor general election campaign in Boyle Heights (Photo: AdobeStock)
“Becerra has a much longer track record of experience regardless of if you favor, you know, politically. Just the experience of working with the federal government, Becerra has a much stronger resume,” Anderson said.