Becerra, Hilton share views on state’s cost of living

Wave Wire Services

BURBANK — Amid insults and name-calling, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton shared their views on how they would lower California’s high cost of living during a debate Sept. 30 at CNN’s studios in Burbank.

Moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, the one-hour debate began with questions about how to lower California’s high cost-of-living. 

Hilton made a commitment to cap government fees to build a house at $50,000. He argued against building apartment complexes in areas designated as single-family zoning, with the aim of reducing “battles between opponents and supporters of developing in areas designated as single-family zones.

Hilton has proposed eliminating state income taxes on the first $150,000 Californians earn. He has said he would pay for the proposal by cutting funding for high-speed rail and homelessness nonprofits and reducing state government departments’ budgets by 5%.

“The final part is to build, as we used to do in this state, the magnificent California Dream, 10 new cities. That’s my plan with counties bidding to host the construction of the new communities that will help young people follow their dreams here in California instead of having to move to another state,” Hilton said.

Becerra said he would work to double the rate of home building. He emphasized that it will also take enforcement of state laws to ensure everyday Californians can purchase homes rather than allowing corporate and Wall Street investors from buying up all the housing stock.

Hilton argued that Becerra was part of the problem that has led to all this red tape on housing. Becerra responded that enforcing the laws is not more red tape, pointing to a lawsuit he initiated against Huntington Beach for failing to permit housing.

“We won because Huntington Beach was denying permits, and we have to build,” Becerra said. “And no locality should have the right to try to stop all of our people in California from the housing they need,”

Becerra has proposed providing up to two hours of free electricity to low-income households using excess solar power. He has also said he would declare a state of emergency to freeze utility and insurance rates.

The candidates have also proposed changes to California’s film and television tax credit program. Hilton has called for stronger credits and faster approvals, while Becerra has proposed expanding eligible production costs and speeding up permits.

Hilton and Becerra differed on their views on data centers. Hilton noted that California’s approach to regulating data centers should take into consideration the jobs and finances that are so deeply tied with the state.

“In terms of regulations, I want to make sure that the priority for these companies is safety, making their products safer. Whether that’s done by them, we’ll see how quickly they act on the promises they’ve made,” Hilton said, referring to an announcement made by AI companies to self-regulate and supporting potential regulations at the federal level.

Becerra said you could hear President Donald Trump in Hilton’s response. The Democratic candidate added that Hilton is not interested in regulating AI.

“The president got a pinky promise in this forum that he had with AI leaders. That’s all he got. No commitment,” Becerra said. “That’s not what we need. And Steve, it’s not a gimmick to ask for guardrails. We need real enforcement.”

Hilton criticized Becerra for taking campaign contributions from AI companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic. In response, Becerra said he could be trusted because he has sued Meta, Amazon and Google.

“I’m running for governor of California,” Hilton said. “I’m looking for the vote of California voters, not some politician in Washington D.C.”

Becerra responded that he “helped create millions of jobs during my service as a member of Congress, in preserving the protection for the state of California when I was attorney general, when Trump was attacking us.”

“And as Secretary of Health and Human Services, I expanded health care to more Americans, which required more doctors and more hospitals,” he said.

Hilton throughout out the night attacked Becerra for being part of the Democratic establishment that has led to California high cost of living. On the other hand, Becerra continuously brought up President Trump and how he endorsed Hilton — in an attempt to paint Hilton as someone following Trump’s playbook.

“That’s why we’ve got to try something different this time instead of voting for more of the same and expecting different results,” Hilton said.

On immigration, Hilton noted he would work to “lower the temperature,” referring to working in ways that adhere to the state’s sanctuary policies while working with federal immigration enforcement agencies. He said the nation needs secure borders, and that immigrants who have come “illegally and who’ve committed dangerous crimes, should be removed.”

“There is scope within the law, SB 54, our Sanctuary State Law, as it’s known, for there to be cooperation on a long list of categories, specific crimes and specific circumstances, and so I would follow the law,” Hilton added.

Becerra disagreed with Hilton on the issue.

“Steve, you’re running for governor of California, and you’ll enforce Trump’s laws at the federal level, but you won’t enforce state laws at our level,” Becerra said. “California welcomed you, and you welcomed ICE mercenaries into our state in return. How do you square that?”

Hilton said that Democrats are failing to enforce federal immigration law in California.

“I have fought all my life to make life better for immigrants to represent them well, to defend them, to let them grow and build like my parents,” Becerra said. “But here’s the problem I have with your policies: you seem to welcome immigrants who look like you, but deport immigrants who look like me.”

Hilton is white and migrated from England years ago, while Becerra is Mexican-American, born to immigrant parents in Sacramento.

“People want to hear solutions to their problems, not these unpleasant political attacks that don’t help anyone, immigrant or not, with the problems that they’re facing, the cost of living, all of the problems that you have no solutions to whatsoever,” Hilton said.

“All you’ve got to talk about is federal politics. All you ever say is Trump, Trump, Trump, and that’s nothing but an insult to every Californian who is desperate for something to change in this state.”

In response, Becerra said “Your words, Trump, Trump, Trump, because he is your supporter. You chased his endorsement.”

The two candidates diverged in opinions regarding climate change with Hilton advocating for California more drilling for oil, better forest management, and implementing practical and sensible goals.

Becerra spoke about protecting California by advocating for green energy such as solar power, wind and electricity.

Hilton attacked Becerra and the Democratic establishment for the homelessness crisis and failing to make significant reductions in that issue.

Becerra went on the offensive blaming the Trump administration for attempting to deny California millions of dollars in federal funding to address homelessness.

A Public Policy Institute of California poll conducted in early September found Becerra leading Hilton 60% to 38% among likely voters. The same poll found 52% of likely voters believed California was headed in the wrong direction.

Becerra, a former U.S. secretary of health and human services and California attorney general, and Hilton, a former Fox News host, advanced from a crowded field of candidates in the June primary election. They are seeking to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is barred by term limits from seeking another term.