California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton is promising a new direction for agriculture, water policy and the state’s economy. In an interview with “The Ag Meter” host Nick Papagni, Hilton discussed the challenges facing California farmers, his plans to reduce operating costs, and his criticism of political leadership in Sacramento.
With Election Day approaching at the time of the interview, Hilton urged voters to consider the future of California agriculture alongside concerns about taxes, energy prices, housing and homelessness.
Hilton Promises Changes for California Farmers
Hilton argued that California farmers face mounting pressure from water restrictions, labor regulations, rising electricity and natural gas costs, and pesticide regulations. He warned that these challenges threaten multigenerational farming operations and the state’s ability to remain a leading agricultural producer.
Drawing on visits to agricultural regions including the Central Valley, Yolo County, Imperial County, Ventura County and Salinas, Hilton said California’s farming industry deserves greater support from state government.
He pledged to prioritize agricultural water access, revise labor regulations and lower energy costs, with the goal of helping farmers remain competitive and expand production.
Papagni emphasized that agricultural issues had received limited attention during the gubernatorial debate between Hilton and Xavier Becerra. Hilton criticized his opponent’s campaign and questioned his record in public office, including his time as California attorney general and U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services. Hilton also raised concerns about federal oversight of unaccompanied migrant children. Those allegations and figures were presented during the interview and were not independently verified in the conversation.
Taxes, Gas Prices and Government Spending
Hilton outlined several major campaign proposals, including $3-per-gallon gasoline, making the first $150,000 of income tax-free, capping annual car and truck registration fees at $73, and addressing mass homelessness by the end of his first year in office.
To help fund the proposed tax relief, Hilton said he would cancel California’s high-speed rail project, target approximately $12 billion in Medicare-related fraud, and end publicly funded healthcare coverage for undocumented immigrants. He estimated that these measures could generate approximately $25 billion, although the interview did not include an independent fiscal analysis of those projections.
Hilton also criticized California’s housing regulations and unfunded mandates. He proposed giving local communities more control over development and suggested establishing 10 new cities through voluntary county participation and state incentives rather than imposing development on unwilling communities.
Water Infrastructure and Federal Cooperation
Water policy remained a central theme throughout the discussion. Papagni raised concerns about the condition of California dams and potential flooding during an intense El Niño weather pattern. The specific claim that 57 dams were damaged was not independently verified during the interview.
Hilton said California needs more effective infrastructure management and pledged to make water policy a priority.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining productive relationships with federal officials, mentioning Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Hilton argued that cooperation with Washington could benefit California through agricultural programs, infrastructure support and energy policy.
Hilton Urges Voters to Hear His Plan
As the interview concluded, Hilton emphasized voter participation and encouraged supporters to contact friends, family members and neighbors to encourage them to vote. He also asked followers to share his campaign’s messages online.
Papagni thanked Hilton for traveling throughout California and addressing issues important to farmers, describing agriculture as a key focus of the candidate’s campaign.
Listen to the full Ag Meter interview with Nick Papagni and Steve Hilton for the complete discussion of California agriculture, water access, farm operating costs, taxes, housing, infrastructure and the candidates’ competing visions for the state.
Campaign website: SteveHiltonForGovernor.com