Becerra and Hilton Clash Over Gas, EVs, and Rail in California Governor Race

Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton are running to replace California Governor Gavin Newsom, and they disagree on how to handle the state's expensive energy sector and infrastructure projects. Becerra, the former U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, represents the Democratic Party. Hilton, a former Fox News host, leads the Republican ticket. Their campaigns center on affordability, climate policy, and the future of the state's high-speed rail system.

California currently has the highest average gasoline price in the United States. According to AAA data, the state average stands at $6.01 per gallon. The national average is $4.28 per gallon. AAA expects this month to become the most expensive on record for fuel prices. Both candidates blame the opposing party for these high costs. Becerra attributes a $2 per gallon increase to President Trump's war in Iran. Hilton blames policies pushed by Newsom and Democratic lawmakers.

Hilton has pledged to lower gas prices to $3 per gallon. He plans to achieve this by repealing environmental regulations and issuing more drilling permits. During a town hall in Modesto in August, Hilton argued that California should produce more oil in Kern County and transport it via pipeline to local refineries. He criticized the current practice of shipping oil across the world on tankers that emit carbon. Becerra has offered fewer specific details on lowering costs but emphasized the need to keep refineries operational in the state. He defended Chevron, which donated $500,000 to a committee supporting his campaign, by saying the state needs refineries to process petroleum and prevent even higher prices.

The next governor will decide whether to maintain California's plan to ban the sale of new gas cars by 2035. Becerra supports the goal of reaching carbon neutrality but is concerned about the cost to families. He told CalMatters that the goal must match the reality of what families can afford. He is open to revising or delaying the timeline to prioritize affordability. Hilton wants to end the state's climate goals, which he believes drive up energy costs. He said he is not against reducing carbon emissions but wants to do so in a way that does not hurt working people or small businesses.

Hilton argues that increasing domestic oil production and improving vegetation management to prevent megafires will reduce emissions more effectively than current regulations. He has criticized what he calls "nanny-state" rules, including new fuel efficiency standards for car tires. In August, he protested outside a state office building, vowing to merge regulators and abolish the Department of Motor Vehicles. He also pledged to reduce registration fees to $73.

The candidates also disagree on the state's high-speed rail project. Hilton would cancel all funding for the system, a move he says would save more than $3.7 billion per year. Becerra supports the project but is concerned about its delays and cost overruns. A recent audit found that the rail authority approved hundreds of thousands of dollars in travel expenses that should not have been allowed. Becerra said he would "clean shop" at the authority to ensure the project is completed correctly without overspending.

Becerra noted that California is the fourth-largest economy with the most innovation, suggesting the state can complete the project if managed properly. He stated that the rail line will be built because it can be done the right way, without the current patterns of overspending and misspending.

Hilton and Becerra continue to campaign across the state as voters prepare to choose their next leader. The race focuses on how to balance environmental goals with the economic realities of Californians facing high energy costs.