By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-19 13:04:27 | Updated at 2026-08-19 13:14:16
14 minutes ago
Republican California gubernatorial hopeful Steve Hilton is taking his campaign to the dinner table — literally.
Hilton is inviting voters to have him over for dinner, where he says he’ll help cook, share a meal and talk about the issues affecting their families.
The campaign features a video of Hilton’s recent dinner with Chula Vista couple Valen and Sandra Guerra.
“That’s for you,” Hilton says in the clip as he hands Valen a bottle that appears to be champagne. “That’s what we’re opening on election night.”
Hilton pitches in with the family as they make dinner, saying he enjoys the chance to sit down with voters because it feels more personal than things like the town halls he’s been holding.
Once everyone sits down, the conversation turns to California’s high taxes and punishing cost of living.
“I remember someone telling me this, that the problem in California is that as soon as it gets a little tough, everybody moves out,” Valen tells Hilton.
The Guerra family argues that Californians need to stay and fight for change — and said Hilton is helping change that narrative.
Sandra, who was born and raised in Chula Vista, said she has watched her hometown go from thriving to struggling.
“I’ve seen the city go from its beauty, its economy, a surplus economy, to we’re in the red,” she said.
Hilton posted another installment of his “Dinner with Steve” series on X Tuesday, featuring a different California family.
The family said they saw the invitation to have Hilton join them for dinner and filled out the form thinking it would be fun.
“Where do you even start?” one family member asked. “Income taxes, state taxes, highest gasoline in the country.”
“And it’s really hard to make a living,” he added, saying that after 15 years, it was time to try something new.
Hilton emphasized on social media that the dinner offer is legitimate and that voters really can get a chance to spend one-on-one time with him.
“It’s not a scam!” Hilton wrote. “I will actually come to your home, help you cook dinner and discuss the issues affecting your family.”
“Episode 3 of ‘Dinner With Steve’ drops soon. But if you want to host the next one, click the link in the replies.,” he added.
For those who want to enter for a chance to win a dinner with Hilton, information can be found here.
The California Republican candidate has hammered affordability in in the notoriously pricey state, arguing that removing the income tax for many Californians will put more money in people’s pockets.
Hilton faces an uphill battle for the governorship in the predominantly blue state, going up against his gubernatorial rival Xavier Becerra, a Democrat.
