Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton rallied Sunday in Pacific Palisades, arguing that the wildfire devastation and prolonged rebuilding effort illustrate the failures of California’s Democratic leadership.

Speaking to residents and supporters two days before the election, Hilton called the Los Angeles neighborhood “a symbol of 16 years of Democrat failure.”

The January 2025 Palisades Fire burned more than 23,000 acres and destroyed approximately 6,800 structures. Powerful winds and dry conditions helped drive the blaze, which displaced tens of thousands of residents and left extensive rebuilding needs.

Hilton accused state and local officials of falling short on wildfire preparedness, emergency response and recovery. He also criticized vegetation-management policies, contending that insufficient brush clearance contributed to the destruction in Pacific Palisades and Altadena.

Those assertions were central to his broader argument that California needs a change after years of Democratic control.

“These are not random, disconnected events,” Hilton told the crowd. “These are what has gone wrong in the state of California over 16 years of one-party rule.”

Hilton pledged to appoint a recovery chief executive to coordinate rebuilding if elected, saying residents deserve faster progress and clearer accountability.

“I spent the time, I’ve listened, and I can tell you right now, when I’m governor, I will appoint a recovery CEO to finally get things done,” he said.

Hilton faces Democrat Xavier Becerra, California’s former attorney general and a former U.S. health and human services secretary, in Tuesday’s election. They are competing to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, who cannot seek another term because of term limits.

A former commentator for Fox News and adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron, Hilton has built his campaign around criticism of California’s Democratic leadership.

He concluded his appearance by urging voters to look beyond the state’s partisan reputation.

“This is not a blue state. It is not a red state. It’s the Golden State,” Hilton said. “And we are going to fight with everything we’ve got.”

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