Steve Hilton targets Xavier Becerra campaign cash with sweeping California anti-corruption plan

Steve Hilton has a new plan to put a cap on California’s political money machine and expose those working in the shadows of the Capitol.

The Republican candidate for governor is rolling out a sweeping anti-corruption agenda Thursday in San Diego aimed at blocking the flow of special-interest cash to politicians like his Democratic rival Xavier Becerra, the California Post has learned.

Hilton intends to blast Becerra as a career politician whose candidacy has benefited from millions in outside spending by corporations, unions and other powerful interests.

Outside groups have reported about $19 million in independent expenditures supporting Becerra ahead of the the 2026 primary in June, according to the Hilton campaign’s analysis of state campaign finance data. The campaign now pegged the total figure at $26 million as of the end of June.

“They know what they are buying: a governor who will protect the machine that has protected him,” says Hilton, who will face Becerra in a Sept. 30 debate on CNN.

Outside groups supporting Becerra received $2.75 million from the California Association of Realtors’ political arm, $2.45 million from a Laborers union PAC, $2 million from the Pechanga Band of Indians and $1.4 million from the California Medical Association’s independent expenditure committee, according to Hilton’s campaign.

Political committees sponsored by Airbnb and electrical workers each contributed $1 million to support Becerra, while Meta gave $950,000 and Chevron and DaVita each kicked in $500,000, according to state records.

A separate pro-Becerra committee reported receiving $2 million from Uber’s political action committee.

“If a company, union, trade group or anyone else is lobbying for a bill, budget item, tax break, carveout or special favor, it should not be writing large campaign checks to the lawmakers deciding whether it gets one,” Hilton says.

As governor, Hilton says he would impose new limits on campaign contributions from corporations, unions, trade groups and other interests lobbying the Legislature. He’s also promising to expand public-records requirements for lawmakers and force greater disclosure of contacts between top state officials and major donors and lobbyists.

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Hilton’s proposal would extend a $500 campaign contribution limit to the Legislature for interests lobbying on matters before lawmakers. The restriction would remain in place while a matter is pending and for a following year.

A lawmaker who received more than $500 from an affected interest during the previous 12 months would have to return the money or step away from the matter.

Contributions from affiliated companies, controlled PACs, lobbyists and other agents would be counted together, and covered donations and lobbying matters would be posted in a searchable database within 48 hours.

“Make your case. Win the argument,” Hilton says. “But you do not get to buy access or favorable treatment.”

Hilton’s plan also calls for the California Public Records Act to be fully applied to the Legislature and would require the governor and senior appointees to disclose meetings with registered lobbyists and major campaign donors within 48 hours.

“No conveniently missing records,” Hilton says.

In a new campaign ad, Hilton is also taking aim at what calls the corrosive influence of special-interest money in Sacramento.

The AI-generated spot mocks special-interest support for Becerra by depicting the Democrat in a glass box being auctioned off to the highest bidder, with placards representing unions, private equity and the California Chamber of Commerce.

Much to Hilton’s chagrin, the Chamber endorsed Becerra after the primary. 

Hilton’s campaign also points to nearly $29 million spent by PG&E and a Chamber-backed committee attacking progressive billionaire Tom Steyer, one of Becerra’s main Democratic opponents during the primary.

Hilton says 94% of his campaign contribution dollars came from individuals through June 30, compared with 65% for Becerra.

“People paying taxes will come before people paying for political campaigns,” Hilton says.

“No favors for donors. No secret deals. No taxpayer-funded campaigns. No politicians hiding from the public.”

Becerra’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Hilton’s critiques and how the Democratic frontrunner would address money in California politics.

Hilton also vows to order an independent audit of the Capitol Annex project, which has already cost taxpayers $668 million and is now projected to top $1.2 billion — including $5.2 million spent mining California granite, shipping it to Italy for fabrication and bringing it back.

“New change orders and nonessential luxury spending will be paused,” Hilton says.

“Every contract, bid, payment, change order and confidentiality agreement connected to the project will be published.”