Hilton’s Anti-Trump Play in California | San Jose News

San Jose News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 23, 2026 · 1m

Steve Hilton, the Republican governor candidate in California, is pulling out all the stops to win over voters who dislike Trump but still want change — in a state where Democrats dominate. His bold new ad asks: “Can you be anti-Trump but still vote for me?” by posing a simple test that invites voters to prioritize California’s direction over party loyalty. He’s spotlighting everyday frustrations like soaring gas prices and electricity costs to appeal to independents and disillusioned Democrats. While critics call it a “spin job,” Hilton’s team insists he’s not distancing himself from Trump —…