Steve Hilton Mocks Xavier Becerra with Halloween Costume Over Mileage Tax Proposal
The Republican gubernatorial hopeful donned a disguise and carried a mock tax bill to protest potential new charges for California drivers.
Steve Hilton, a Republican candidate for governor, marked Halloween by dressing as Xavier Becerra and mocking the Democrat's proposed mileage tax. Hilton appeared at a trunk-or-treat event in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 31, 2026, costumed as Becerra with gray hair and carrying a blue-framed iPad that displayed a mock mileage tax bill for $944.82.
Hilton's protest targeted Becerra's openness to a mileage tax, which would charge drivers based on the number of miles they travel. This proposal, if enacted, could add significant costs for Californians already contending with high fuel prices and existing taxes.
Hilton shared a video of the stunt on social media, stating, "Becerra's policies should FRIGHTEN you: $8 gas, sky-high vehicle registration fees… and now a $1,000 mileage tax!"
Becerra, the former Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Biden administration, has been a prominent figure in California's gubernatorial race. Beyond the mileage tax, his policy positions have drawn scrutiny. He supports expanding taxpayer-funded Medi-Cal coverage to undocumented immigrants and has expressed opposition to federal deportation initiatives.
His stance on taxation generally favors progressive policies, and he has opposed broad tax cuts, arguing they disproportionately benefit the wealthy. This approach contrasts with calls from some for across-the-board cuts to ease the tax burden on businesses and residents.
Becerra has also advocated for the continuation of California's high-speed rail project, proposing reforms and seeking private and federal funding rather than halting state payments. Furthermore, his legal actions against major technology companies like Google and Meta have been met with concerns from business groups about potential impacts on jobs and innovation.
Becerra's background has also been a point of discussion in the campaign. Opponents have questioned his description of himself as the "son of immigrants," noting that his father was born in Sacramento. He emerged as a key contender in the governor's race after the departure of Eric Swalwell.