See more of our coverage in your search results.
Steve Hilton gave California voters a Halloween scare, dressing up as Xavier Becerra to mock the Democrat’s tax proposals — including a mileage tax that could leave drivers paying hundreds more just to hit the road.
The Republican gubernatorial hopeful donned a Becerra-inspired disguise, complete with gray hair, and marched through crowds with a blue-framed iPad advertising a mock mileage-tax bill, photos obtained by The California Post show.
The stunt took aim at Becerra’s openness to charging motorists based on how many miles they drive, adding another potential expense for Californians already grappling with some of the highest fuel costs in the country.
Sign up for the California Morning Report newsletter
The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.
Thanks for signing up!
The Democrat has signaled he is open to a mileage tax while supporting the state’s existing 63.4-cent-per-gallon gas tax, which is piled on top of federal fuel taxes and local sales taxes.
The proposal has put Becerra’s tax policies under the microscope as affordability becomes a major issue in the governor’s race.
And the mileage tax is just one of several policies drawing scrutiny.
Trunk-or-Treat in Highland Park, LA! 🎃
Becerra’s policies should FRIGHTEN you: $8 gas, sky-high vehicle registration fees… and now a $1,000 mileage tax!
Just 3 days left to vote against this INSANITY. Tell everyone you know to do the same! pic.twitter.com/FSbCaemRtN
— Steve Hilton (@SteveHiltonx) October 31, 2026
Becerra supports expanding taxpayer-funded Medi-Cal coverage to immigrants living in the country illegally, a position that could add to pressure on the state’s already strained resources.
He has also pushed back against federal deportation initiatives.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!
Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!
On broader tax policy, Becerra opposes sweeping reductions, arguing that “Trump-style” tax breaks disproportionately benefit the wealthiest residents. His position puts him at odds with calls for across-the-board cuts from those who argue California’s tax burden fuels poverty and pushes businesses out of the state.
The former Biden administration health secretary also wants to keep California’s troubled high-speed rail project alive, favoring reforms and private and federal funding over immediately ending state payments.
Becerra has pointed to his antitrust and privacy lawsuits against Google and Meta as major accomplishments. But business advocacy groups have warned that aggressive legal campaigns against major technology companies could threaten jobs and discourage innovation in the state.
His personal biography has also become a campaign issue.
Republican opponents have challenged Becerra’s description of himself as the “son of immigrants,” pointing out that his father, Manuel Guerrero Becerra, was born in Sacramento.
Becerra emerged as a leading contender in the governor’s race following Eric Swalwell’s departure, despite reportedly not being the preferred choice of many Democrats.
“California is very corrupt,” Trump told reporters.
“The elections are extremely corrupt,” he said.
Meanwhile, Becerra spent Halloween campaigning for fellow Democrats across California, making stops in Modesto and Sacramento as he worked to boost congressional candidates just days before voters decide his own political fate.
The Democrat’s “Stop The Power Grab” tour included appearances for Rep. Adam Gray, who is facing former Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln, and state Sen. Richard Pan, who is challenging Rep. Kevin Kiley after the Republican-turned-independent was forced to abandon the GOP following California Democrats’ redistricting push.
Becerra used the Modesto rally to take aim at President Trump, telling supporters: “Donald Trump is on the ballot. Make no mistake. Our democracy is absolutely on the ballot.”
In Sacramento, he joined US Sen. Adam Schiff at Pan’s campaign headquarters before volunteers headed out in Halloween costumes to knock on doors. Becerra also took another swipe at Trump and Hilton on social media, posting a picture of the president and his Republican challenger with the caption: “Don’t be afraid – VOTE.”
Becerra is scheduled to campaign for three more congressional Democrats on Sunday before joining Gov. Gavin Newsom and US Sen.
Alex Padilla at a Hollywood rally. He plans to return to Sacramento Monday and cast his ballot on Election Day.
