The Source with Kaitlan Collins California Governor Debate
Oct 1, 2026
Steve Hilton, a British-American political commentator and former Fox News host, faces Xavier Becerra, a former California attorney general and U.S. health secretary. They clash over housing costs, homelessness, taxes, AI regulation, immigration, wildfire prevention, healthcare, education, Hollywood, and California’s future.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Tax Cuts Collide With California’s Budget Needs
- Tax-cut proposals expose a tradeoff between immediate household relief and funding for schools, health care, and housing.
- Xavier Becerra says Steve Hilton’s broader plan would give billionaires a 40% cut, while Hilton says lower taxes would attract jobs.
Cut Housing Costs Before Building More
- Reduce housing costs by cutting construction fees, expanding down-payment assistance, and enforcing local building requirements.
- Steve Hilton proposes capping government fees at $50,000 and developing 10 new cities; Xavier Becerra emphasizes doubling construction.
AI Growth Needs Enforceable Guardrails
- AI policy must balance economic opportunity with safeguards for children, workers, privacy, and public safety.
- Both candidates support safety measures, but Xavier Becerra demands enforceable guardrails while Steve Hilton favors industry commitments before regulation.