GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Hilton Pledges to Appoint Democrat to Senate Seat
California Republican nominee Steve Hilton stated he would appoint a Democrat to fill a U.S. Senate vacancy if elected governor, citing a desire to honor the state's vote.
GOP California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton announced that he would appoint a Democrat to fill a U.S. Senate seat if a vacancy occurs during his potential term as governor. Hilton made this pledge during a recent appearance on the podcast “Pod Save America.”
Host Jon Lovett presented Hilton with a hypothetical scenario involving a vacancy for either Sen. Alex Padilla or Sen. Adam Schiff, both California Democrats. Hilton responded by stating his intention to appoint a Democrat, explaining, “I just think you’ve got to honor the vote that people took,” referring to the fact that California voters elected both current Democratic senators.
Hilton is currently running against Democrat Xavier Becerra in the upcoming gubernatorial election. He secured an endorsement from former President Donald Trump in April.
The scenario of a Senate vacancy is hypothetical, but California governors have historically exercised their power to appoint individuals to fill such vacancies in the U.S. Senate.