California Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton blasted Governor Gavin Newsom for parading around the country preparing for his 2028 presidential run, while his state continues to be plagued by fraud, some of which has been uncovered by Hilton's campaign team. And "some" is a generous term, as it totals nearly $500 billion.
Hilton claimed that California likely has more fraud than all other states combined and accused Newsom of using the state as a stepping stone to the presidency despite his atrocious policy record.
Here’s what Gavin Newsom wants you to believe: that California is fine, that he’s a visionary, and that he deserves a promotion. Here’s reality: record homelessness, skyrocketing costs, and a state government built on waste and fraud. He’s not running for Governor again — he’s… pic.twitter.com/hNizOUk24l
— Steve Hilton (@SteveHiltonx) March 15, 2026
"It's just like Gavin Newsom, you know, he fixed the homelessness problem many years ago. He kept announcing that he's fixed it while the problem gets worse," Hilton said. "I mean, this guy's a total disgrace, Gavin Newsom. If it's been fixed, then why is the money still going out? He says it was fixed in 2021. Those payments were from 2024. He's just lying and gaslighting, as he is on every single issue."
"And the truth is that California has got more fraud than the rest of America put together," he added. "And Dr. Oz is absolutely right. We need cooperation with the federal government. When I'm governor, that's what we'll get."
🚨 HOLY CRAP! The Trump admin is now withholding $300 MILLION DOLLARS from California after billions in taxpayer-funded illegal alien healthcare was discovered
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 14, 2026
CMS Administrator Dr. Oz just found $1.8 BILLION in FRAUDULENT spending on illegal aliens' healthcare across 8 states… pic.twitter.com/RjuTvSP5DQ
Recommended
Hilton went on:
In the meantime we're trying to find it as well. My organization, CalDOGE, part of my campaign, we estimate now that the total fraud in the last five years in California, $434 billion. And what are they doing about it? Nothing, because they have total contempt for taxpayers. They don't consider it, that it's our money that they're stealing and wasting. And that is why they're going to lose this year.
Hilton is currently leading in early polling for the Golden State's governor's race as a plethora of Democrats have crowded the field, and rumors swirl about the Democrats' front-runner, Eric Swalwell, who may not even be a resident of California.
Lefty Rep. Swalwell can’t run for gov in Calif. — because he doesn’t live there: court filing https://t.co/KBRKK4m6pR pic.twitter.com/vlQqtQ6d9M
— New York Post (@nypost) January 18, 2026
This comes as story after story has surfaced from California detailing widespread fraud, including allegations that Newsom’s own wife funneled nearly $4 million to herself from her charity.
🚨 HOLY CRAP! California Gov. Gavin Newsom's wife has been caught paying herself a HUGE sum of money while pushing woke, transgender and s*xuality films on children
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 10, 2026
"Raking up to $300K annually...Newsom's Board of Ed recommended Siebel Newsom's films in controversial health… pic.twitter.com/495jwFCqXT
🚨 HOLY CRAP. California Democrats have been exposed for passing a Soros-backed ballot measure for "substance abuse..."
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 12, 2026
...then using $370 MILLION of the funds raised from the measure to REGISTER VOTERS, and it benefitted Democrats
This is CRIMINAL!pic.twitter.com/IWOXF874w5
NEW FROM CAL DOGE: Our 3rd investigation. 'Project Homekey' - $745 million to buy/build properties at massively inflated prices.
— Steve Hilton (@SteveHiltonx) March 14, 2026
Housing units vacant. Homelessness up. Crony developers make millions. Taxpayers fleeced. Details:@JennyRaeCA @Herb4Controller @GloriaJRomero… pic.twitter.com/HfwbC6jnD9
Incredible investigation today from @CBSNews. Our reporters visited "ground zero" for hospice fraud: Los Angeles, California. One building had 89 registered hospices . . .
— Bari Weiss (@bariweiss) March 10, 2026
Read it here:https://t.co/cHuzIo4Xec
Editor’s Note: Do you enjoy Townhall’s conservative reporting that takes on the radical Left and woke media? Support our work so that we can continue to bring you the truth.
Join Townhall VIP and use promo code FIGHT to receive 60% off your membership.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member