Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton says one of his top priorities, if elected California governor, would be investigating the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdowns that followed. Speaking with KABC-TV, Hilton said the goal would be to determine what went wrong and ensure similar measures are never implemented again.
Hilton argues that many of California’s current financial challenges stem from decisions made during the pandemic. He contends that the state budget remains burdened by programs and spending increases approved during that period and says taxpayers are still dealing with the consequences.
According to Hilton, the investigation could be completed within six months and would require minimal taxpayer funding. He expressed confidence that the findings would become clear quickly.
Hilton will face Democrat Xavier Becerra in the November runoff election. California voters have not elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger won reelection in 2006, nearly two decades ago.
