Staff Reports
Steve Hilton’s recent media appearances promoting his book Califailure: Reversing the Ruin of America’s Worst-Run State have reignited a national conversation about California’s decline under progressive governance. Hilton, a Fox News contributor and longtime California resident, blends biting humor with hard truths to expose the state’s struggles with poverty, homelessness, and skyrocketing costs of living. His critique of California’s one-party rule under Democrats like Governor Gavin Newsom highlights how unchecked progressive policies have transformed the Golden State from a symbol of opportunity into a cautionary tale.
Hilton doesn’t hold back in detailing the state’s grim statistics: California leads the nation in poverty rates, has the highest taxes, and boasts some of the most expensive housing, electricity, and water costs in the country. Meanwhile, homelessness has spiraled out of control, and businesses are fleeing the state due to its anti-business climate. Hilton attributes much of this decline to what he calls “Democrat Extremism and Incompetence,” accusing Newsom and his allies of prioritizing ideological agendas over practical governance. Policies like “Housing First,” which removed treatment requirements for homeless services, and burdensome environmental regulations have only exacerbated these crises.
In his signature style, Hilton uses humor to underscore his points. During a recent interview, he joked about California’s leadership by imagining them running a motel—a satirical exercise that saw figures like Adam Schiff managing restrooms and Gavin Newsom flipping burgers. While lighthearted on the surface, these jabs reflect deeper frustrations with what Hilton describes as misplaced priorities and performative leadership. He argues that California’s political class is more concerned with signaling virtue than addressing the real challenges facing residents.
Despite his scathing critique, Hilton offers hope for reversing California’s decline. Through his policy organization Golden Together, he advocates for commonsense reforms like reducing government bloat, streamlining housing regulations, and improving wildfire management through timber industry revitalization. He also points to recent signs of change, such as 10 counties flipping from blue to red in recent elections and voter-led efforts to reverse Proposition 47, which effectively decriminalized theft under $950. These developments suggest that Californians are growing weary of progressive overreach and are open to alternative solutions.
Hilton’s message resonates beyond California as a warning to other states about the dangers of unchecked progressive policies. He frames California as a microcosm of what happens when ideology trumps common sense—a lesson he hopes voters nationwide will heed. While critics may dismiss his approach as partisan or overly simplistic, Hilton’s combination of humor and hard facts makes a compelling case for change. As he continues to make waves with his book tour and advocacy work, Hilton’s vision for a “Califuture” challenges both Californians and Americans to rethink their approach to governance before it’s too late.
