Steve Hilton Puts California Agriculture at Center of Governor’s Race
Dan
October 28, 2026
Agri-Business, Economy, Environment, Infrastructure, Interview, Legislative, Regulation, Special Reports, Water
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.
Steve Hilton (right) with “the Ag Meter”
With Election Day approaching, 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 leading agricultural producer status.
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
- Lower energy costs
These measures aim to help farmers remain competitive and expand production.
Agricultural Issues in the Gubernatorial Debate
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.
Hilton’s Campaign Proposals
Hilton outlined several major campaign proposals:
- Taxes: $3-per-gallon gasoline, making the first $150,000 of income tax-free, and capping annual car and truck registration fees at $73.
- Gas Prices: Addressing mass homelessness by the end of his first year in office.
- Funding: Cancel California’s high-speed rail project, target Medicare-related fraud, and end publicly funded healthcare coverage for undocumented immigrants.
He estimated that these measures could generate approximately $25 billion.