Steve Hilton: Californians Are Fleeing Democratic Policies as Costs Keep Rising

California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has told Newsmax that Californians are leaving the state because of what he describes as the consequences of Democratic policies, pointing to high taxes, housing costs, crime concerns and what he calls an unfriendly business environment. Hilton argued that years of population movement out of California demonstrate growing dissatisfaction with the state’s political direction.

Steve Hilton made the argument while attacking what he described as prolonged one-party Democratic rule in Sacramento. He said California has significant economic advantages but argued that high living costs and government policies are pushing residents and businesses to consider other states.

Steve Hilton Blames Democratic Policies for California Migration

Hilton told Newsmax that about two million people have left California during Gavin Newsom’s tenure as governor, presenting the figure as what he called the “ultimate indictment” of Democratic rule. He linked the migration to high housing costs, gasoline prices and broader living expenses.

California has experienced periods of net domestic outmigration, although migration is influenced by multiple factors. A California State Controller’s Office analysis found that housing costs were an important factor in migration decisions, while taxes and other costs also played a role. The same analysis cautioned that migration cannot be attributed to a single factor.

Steve Hilton Targets Taxes, Housing and Business Costs

Hilton has made affordability a central part of his campaign, proposing lower taxes and cheaper gasoline while criticizing what he describes as excessive bureaucracy. He has also proposed eliminating California’s Department of Motor Vehicles and reducing vehicle-registration fees, although such major changes would require legislative action.

The Republican candidate has argued that businesses are also being pushed away by California’s regulatory and tax environment. In a separate Newsmax interview, Hilton said business leaders had told him they would consider leaving the state if they did not see changes in California’s business climate.

California’s Political and Economic Debate Intensifies

Steve Hilton’s criticism comes as the 2026 governor’s race focuses heavily on affordability. He has proposed eliminating state income taxes on the first $150,000 of earnings, reducing housing costs and lowering gasoline prices. His proposals would face a Democratic-controlled Legislature if he were elected, creating a significant policy and political challenge.

The debate over California’s population movement is broader than campaign politics. While official analysis has documented net outmigration and identified housing costs and other economic considerations among the factors affecting migration, Hilton attributes the trend primarily to Democratic governance. As the gubernatorial campaign continues, California voters will hear competing arguments over whether the state’s costs and migration patterns reflect policy choices, broader economic forces, or a combination of factors. OGM News will continue to follow the debate.