Original Source
California State Programs Plagued by '25% Fraud,' Says Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Hilton
Widespread Fraud Alleged in California State Programs
According to a report by Chris Rufo and the Manhattan Institute's 'City Journal', approximately 25% of California's state programs are reportedly riddled with fraud. This indicates a massive diversion of funds amounting to tens of billions of dollars. An analysis of public data from the past five years suggests that taxpayers have lost $22,000 per person due to these fraudulent activities. Steve Hilton, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, attributed California's highest taxes in the nation and its worst outcomes (homelessness, school issues, high cost of living, poverty rates, unemployment, and poor roads) to this widespread fraud and corruption.
Critique of Governor Newsom's Response and Campaign Pledges
Hilton heavily criticized incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom for allegedly smearing accusers, denying, deflecting, and pretending to have addressed the state's fraud issues. He accused the governor of incompetence, laziness, and disinterest, asserting that fraud and corruption have been rampant under 16 years of one-party Democratic rule. Hilton pledged that if elected, he would aggressively combat state fraud, prosecuting those responsible alongside his running mate, Attorney General candidate Michael Gates, and recovering misappropriated funds.
Climate Agenda Funds Misappropriated for Political Activities
A second fraud report published by CalDoge, an organization founded by Hilton as part of his campaign, revealed significant misappropriation of funds intended for the state's climate agenda. Out of $1 billion allocated for installing solar panels on low-income apartment buildings (an annual $100 million for ten years starting in 2015), only $72 million was actually spent on solar panels. The remaining $928 million was allegedly diverted to Democratic activist groups for voter registration and other political activities. Hilton argued that this scheme effectively finances the Democratic political machine using taxpayer money, calling it a clear act of corruption.
*Source: YouTube: Fox News (2026-04-06)*
