CA Governor Candidate Steve Hilton on Why California is Destroying Itself & How a Republican Can Win
Episode Details
In this episode of the All-In Podcast, hosts Jason Calacanis and Chamath Palihapitiya interview Steve Hilton, a prominent candidate in the upcoming California governor race. Hilton outlines his vision for reforming California, whose deteriorating Business Climate is driving innovation away from hubs like Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Hilton, who previously taught at Stanford and served as a fellow at the Hoover Institution, draws inspiration from former UK Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and David Cameron. His background is also tied to the tech industry through his wife, Rachel Whetstone, who held executive roles at Facebook, Google, and Uber. During the interview, Hilton proposes a radical Flat tax model to help the Working Class by eliminating state income taxes for those earning under $100K. This idea was surprisingly supported by Democratic rival Katie Porter, even though the establishment Democratic Party generally opposes his platform. To fund this, Hilton plans to eliminate Government Waste using a localized version of DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency). Hilton argues that the state's severe Housing Crisis is exacerbated by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which Unions weaponize for labor agreements, and by strict Climate Change mandates. He frequently contrasts this overregulation with Texas, noting insights from investor Michael Moritz on regulatory decay. Regarding Energy Policy, Hilton criticizes the California Air Resources Board for enforcing measures that force the state to import crude oil from Iraq. Tackling the state's failing public schools, Hilton strongly advocates for Education Reform, pushing back against Teachers Unions and pointing to Mississippi as a successful model for phonics-based learning. When discussing Crime, Hilton criticizes the lenient Prop 47 policies, noting that voters recently passed Prop 36 to increase penalties, a measure strongly opposed by current Governor Gavin Newsom. Addressing Homelessness, Hilton highlights the failure of state programs like Project Homekey. He emphasizes that the recent US Supreme Court ruling in Grants Pass versus Oregon finally gives cities the authority to clear encampments. He proposes building large-scale mental health facilities while bypassing restrictive Medicaid rules. Despite the challenges, Hilton remains optimistic that the Republican Party can win, citing the historical success of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Hilton believes that high turnout from the 2024 US Presidential Election, upcoming Voter ID Laws, and a key endorsement from Donald Trump will propel his campaign to victory.
Key Topics & People
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Podcast host highlighting market indicators and tech valuations.
US President whose political actions are heavily influenced by the stock market.
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California politician considered the favored candidate of the Democratic establishment.
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An angel investor steering discourse around tech platform decay, advising founders against taking venture debt that restricts future agility.
Expensive state initiative attempting to address homelessness.
Agency setting strict emissions and climate regulations.
State cited as a model for successful phonics-based education.
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Former UK Prime Minister who inspired Hilton.
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Former UK Prime Minister advised by Steve Hilton.
Steve Hilton's wife and former tech executive.
California's poor regulatory environment driving away companies.
Supreme Court case that empowered cities to clear homeless encampments.
Recent election showing strong Republican turnout in California.
Upcoming ballot measure expected to boost Republican turnout.
California city struggling with high crime and urban decay.
Major California city facing crime and housing issues.
Political party of Steve Hilton.
Ruling political party in California opposing Hilton's reforms.
Podcast hosting the interview with Steve Hilton.
Venture capitalist who compared California's overregulation to the UK.
Think tank where Steve Hilton served as a fellow.
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Tech hub facing an exodus due to poor business climate.
Former Republican Governor of California.
Current Governor of California.
Demographic Hilton aims to support with tax cuts.
Highest court that empowered cities to clear homeless encampments.
Regulations forcing California to import crude oil.
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Crisis tied to untreated drug addiction and mental illness.
Unions criticized for monopolizing the school system.
Efforts to improve California's failing public schools.
Environmental justification driving up housing and energy costs.
California's severe lack of affordable homes.
Environmental law used to block housing development.
Model adapted by Hilton to audit California's state spending.
Inefficient state spending, estimated at $80 billion annually.
The state facing economic, housing, and regulatory challenges.
The upcoming election for the governorship of California.
Republican candidate for California Governor.