New York Post reported that Steve Hilton ran a gubernatorial campaign based on positive populism. Before launching this political bid, Steve Hilton authored a 2015 book titled More Human, which laid out ideological concepts that later influenced the framing of the gubernatorial campaign platform.
The policy platform introduced during the electoral contest centered around specific cost-of-living and tax-relief measures intended to appeal to voters across the state. Specifically, those campaign policy pledges included $3 gas and zero state income tax under $150,000 for residents. Furthermore, the affordability proposals extended into vehicle ownership costs, dictating that car and truck registration capped at $73 would be implemented.
During the unfolding political contest, the campaign strategy yielded measurable changes in voter preference across distinct demographics. By utilizing a positive populism framework, Steve Hilton successfully cut the twenty-point Democratic lead in half among non-DSA voters, shifting the baseline political dynamics within that specific portion of the electorate.
Despite the policy pledges regarding fuel, income taxes, and vehicle registration fees, as well as the notable polling shifts among non-DSA voters, the ultimate outcome of the political contest favored another candidate. When the votes were officially tabulated, Xavier Becerra won the election, bringing the gubernatorial race to its conclusion.