GOP Gubernatorial Hopeful Pleads with California Gas Execs: 'Do Not Give Up'

Steve Hilton vows to overhaul energy policy if elected governor, criticizing Newsom's 'political hypocrisy'

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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California Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has issued an impassioned plea to the leaders of California's oil and gas industry, urging them to 'not give up' on the state. Hilton's letter offers a blistering critique of Gov. Gavin Newsom's energy agenda and California's controversial cap-and-invest program, which Hilton says is driving refineries and energy investment out of the state. Hilton promises a sweeping overhaul of energy policy if he wins the governor's race next year.

Why it matters

California's energy industry is facing significant challenges, with rising gas prices, shrinking refinery capacity, and an ongoing debate over the state's climate policies. Hilton's intervention highlights the political tensions around these issues and the potential for a major shift in energy policy if he is elected governor.

The details

Hilton's letter promises to 'suspend or reverse' regulatory changes that he believes are driving up energy costs, and to appoint new leadership at key agencies like the California Air Resources Board. He also suggests his administration would take a more aggressive approach to reshaping the state's energy regulatory framework. The letter comes as California's gas prices have surged above $5 per gallon, with some analysts warning prices could climb even higher if refinery capacity continues to shrink.

  • On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Hilton sent the letter to oil industry leaders in California.

The players

Steve Hilton

A Republican candidate for California governor who has issued an impassioned plea to the state's oil and gas industry leaders.

Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California, whose energy agenda and climate policies have been criticized by Hilton.

Chevron

One of the largest oil companies operating in California, which has warned the state's governor about the potential impacts of proposed regulatory changes.

Marathon Petroleum

Another major oil company in California that has expressed concerns about the state's energy policies.

California Independent Petroleum Association

A trade group representing the state's oil and gas industry.

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What they’re saying

“Do not give up on California.”

— Steve Hilton, Gubernatorial Candidate

“The proposed regulation will cripple the survivability of the state's remaining refineries, which will result in California losing the entire industry to this misguided program.”

— Andy Walz, Chevron President

“This crisis is not a fallacy nor a thinly veiled threat. It is a reality borne by consumers today, who are historically and empirically least able to afford it.”

— 15 Democratic State Assembly Members

What’s next

If elected governor, Hilton has vowed to quickly suspend or reverse regulatory changes that he believes are driving up energy costs in California. He has also promised to appoint new leadership at key state agencies that oversee the energy sector.

The takeaway

The debate over California's energy policies has become a major political issue, with Hilton positioning himself as a challenger to the Newsom administration's approach. The outcome of the gubernatorial race could have significant implications for the future of the state's oil and gas industry.