Overview
- Becerra, who spoke at a Politico summit Tuesday, stressed restraint and released a "power hour" proposal to offer free electricity to people who avoid using power during peak times.
- Hilton, who addressed the same audience Tuesday, pledged sweeping changes including $3 gas, halved utility bills, and no state income tax on the first $150,000 of earnings.
- Both candidates raised AI policy with Becerra signaling stronger regulation and possible state investment in AI firms while Hilton criticized tech leaders and warned against both overregulation and underregulation.
- Hilton has amplified contested allegations tied to Becerra’s tenure at HHS that have become a campaign flashpoint but remain unverified in recent reporting.
- A new poll shows Becerra with a clear lead and Democrats controlling the governor’s office and Legislature, a reality that would make many of Hilton’s proposals difficult to enact if he were elected.