ORANGE COUNTY, California — November 3, 2026. In an Election Day interview with ABC10 reporter Alex Bell in Southern California, Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton outlined his affordability proposals and said he would be willing to challenge President Donald Trump, California lawmakers and powerful interest groups. The interview took place in Orange County; the supplied segment does not establish the exact city or venue.

What Hilton proposed

Hilton highlighted a plan for gasoline at $3 per gallon, vehicle registration at $73 and no state income tax on the first $150,000 of income. These are campaign proposals, not enacted policy or independently validated cost projections. Their feasibility and fiscal effects would depend on legislation, budgets and other constraints.

Dispute over a mileage tax

Hilton asserted that Democratic opponent Xavier Becerra had endorsed a mileage-based vehicle tax and said he would veto such a measure. The interview does not include Becerra’s explanation of his position or the underlying proposal. California58 therefore attributes this characterization to Hilton and does not treat the proposed rate, monitoring claims or annual household cost estimates as independently established facts.

Would Hilton oppose Trump?

Asked whether a vote for him should be seen as a vote for Trump, Hilton said he would make decisions independently and push back against the federal administration when he disagreed. He also described his campaign as focused on workers and small businesses. These were Hilton’s statements in an interview, not a verified record of future actions.

Election Night

Hilton was campaigning in the final hours before polls closed at 8 p.m. Pacific time. The report did not show him personally voting and did not establish the location where he cast his ballot. Results reported on election night remain unofficial pending canvassing.

Video: ABC10 interview by Alex Bell, November 3, 2026. Watch the original video. This video is external television journalism, not footage produced by California58.

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