Side by side · California Governor
Xavier Becerra vs. Steve Hilton
Where the candidates stand, side by side, with a source for every claim. Compiled from the same sourced cards used in the blind match.
This page names the candidates. Prefer to judge the records first? The blind match takes about five minutes.
Take the blind match insteadXavier Becerra
Democratic
Steve Hilton
Republican
Economy and taxes
Supports declaring a state of emergency to freeze utility and home insurance rates.
Source: CalMatters
Supports eliminating the state income tax on income under 100,000 dollars and applying a 7.5 percent flat rate to earnings above that amount.
Housing and cost of living
Supports treating housing as essential infrastructure and expanding construction of state-supported affordable housing.
Source: Xavier Becerra 2026 campaign
Supports capping local impact fees on new home construction and reducing state housing regulations, with a focus on single-family homes.
Healthcare
Supports building toward a universal single-payer health insurance system and strengthening Medi-Cal.
Source: Xavier Becerra 2026 campaign
Supports ending state-funded health coverage for residents without legal immigration status.
Source: American Community Media
Education
No public position found in reviewed sources on kindergarten through 12th grade school policy in this race.
Supports public ratings for every school and every teacher, with pay increases for the highest-rated teachers.
Public safety and criminal justice
No public position found in reviewed sources on state criminal law enforcement priorities in this race.
Supports prioritizing enforcement of existing laws on homelessness, open drug markets, retail theft, and violent crime over passing new laws.
Immigration
Supports prosecuting federal immigration agents who violate state law and protecting immigrant access to essential medical services.
Source: San Francisco Public Press
Supports state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, describing immigration policy as a federal responsibility.
Source: American Community Media
Environment and energy
Is open to revising state climate goals to keep fuel affordable for middle-class residents.
Source: CalMatters
Supports suspending state environmental regulations to lower gasoline prices.
Source: CalMatters