Armstrong & Getty On Demand — "The Low Polling Democrats!"

Episode Overview (March 26, 2026)

This episode delves into the latest California gubernatorial election drama, focusing on a fractured Democratic field, polling upsets, and controversy surrounding a canceled primary debate. Hosts Armstrong & Getty welcome candidate Steve Hilton for an in-depth interview. The discussion covers the implications of California’s “top two” primary system, Democratic infighting, the state of governance in California, and why Republicans feel momentum is shifting in their favor. The tone is sharp, irreverent, and clearly critical of California’s Democratic leadership.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Fractured Democratic Field & California's Primary System

• Too Many Democrats, Vote Splitting: The hosts highlight that numerous Democratic candidates (notably Katie Porter and Eric Swalwell) are splitting the vote, potentially allowing two Republicans to emerge as the general election contenders due to California’s “top two” primary system.
• Polling Update: Recent polls show Steve Hilton (Republican) leading, Erik Swalwell (Democrat) in second, and another Republican close behind. This scenario is used to illustrate Democratic disarray.

"A new poll came out yesterday that with all the Democratic votes split, two Republicans are in the lead... So you might have two Republicans running against each other for governor."
— Co-host (03:39)

2. The Cancelled USC Debate & Accusations of Racism/Intimidation (03:39–07:55)

• Debate Canceled Amid Political Pressure: The episode breaks down how a scheduled debate was canceled after state Democratic leaders pressured USC to allow lower-polling (mostly minority) Democratic candidates onto the stage.
• Steve Hilton’s View on ‘LPDs’ (Low Polling Democrats): Hilton ridicules the claim that the debate exclusion was racially motivated and coins “LPDs” for these candidates, stating they simply aren’t polling well enough to qualify.

“It’s not because of your race. It’s because you’re not doing well enough in the race. That’s why you weren’t on the debate.”
— Steve Hilton (06:23)

• Allegations of Intimidation:
  Hilton alleges that state legislative leaders bullied USC with threats to include certain candidates, ultimately resulting in the debate’s cancellation. He claims this reflects a deep-seated “arrogance and corruption” of California's Democratic one-party rule.

"That is bullying and intimidation from the state legislature to USC... It actually shows you the arrogance and corruption you get after 16 years of one party rule."
— Steve Hilton (07:21)

3. Republican Momentum & Changing Voter Sentiment (07:55–10:45)

• Historical Comparison to Schwarzenegger: The hosts sense a shift reminiscent of when Arnold Schwarzenegger ran and upset expectations. Hilton expresses confidence, citing growing, bipartisan attendance at his town halls and increased fundraising.

"It’s a unique time when even the Democratic voters of the state are so fed up with the way things are."
— Co-host (07:59)

• Bipartisan Appeal: Hilton mentions Democratic attendees at his events, including some who voted for Kamala Harris but now want change.

• Turnout & Ballot Initiatives:
  Hilton pins hopes on high Republican turnout, fueled by ballot measures on voter ID and property tax protections, as well as growing anger over Democratic "fraud and corruption."

"We’ve got some really important weapons for turnout... voter ID... and save Prop 13... All these endless tax increases they're bringing in so Republicans will go out and vote for that more than Democrats."
— Steve Hilton (09:14)

4. Scandals and Statewide Frustration (10:45–12:19)

• Media Attention on Scandal:
  Even mainstream outlets, like CBS, are covering California’s fraud scandals, including a major hospice fraud story.
• Single-Party Rule Critique:
  The hosts and Hilton deride the Democratic primary as dependent on union allegiance, contrasting it with the Republican focus on policy.

"The Republican primary is running for who's got the best ideas. The Democratic primary is who can be the most slavish servant of the public employee unions."
— Interviewer (15:41)

5. Outlook for November & the Swalwell Factor (12:19–15:34)

• Likely Opponent:
  Hilton predicts that Erik Swalwell will be his opponent, citing establishment support and the Democrats’ inability to field more popular candidates.
• Case for Balance:
  He argues for an end to 16 years of one-party rule, appealing even to non-Republicans on grounds of basic political balance.

"I just feel really confident that if we get a shot at putting that clear choice out there... It’s not healthy to have 16 years of one party rule. Just a bit of balance in the system is a good idea."
— Steve Hilton (14:37)

• California’s Rankings:
  Hilton rattles off negative national rankings for California, such as highest taxes, worst roads, and lowest affordability, saying this is the reality that needs to change.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On LPDs:

  "LPDs, we gotta make that a thing.”
  — Steve Hilton (06:22)

• On Debate Exclusion:

  "No, it’s not because of your race. It’s because you’re not doing well enough in the race."
  — Steve Hilton (06:24)

• On Republican Surge:

  "We do these town halls up and down the state and the numbers are growing... And you’re getting people who ask questions. It’s totally open."
  — Steve Hilton (08:32)

• On Democratic Field:

  "I mean, come on, like you were just talking about Porter, Swalwell, Tom Steyer, these people are such a joke."
  — Steve Hilton (09:40)

• On Voter Sentiment:

  "What’ll it take—a junkie to move into your house and like urinate on your carpet? ... Wrong track was 52."
  — Interviewer (11:53)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:22 — Switch from commercials to show content; setup of primary drama
• 03:39–07:55 — Explaining the canceled debate and “LPDs”
• 07:55–10:45 — Hilton’s campaign momentum, bipartisan outreach, and ballot strategies
• 10:45–12:19 — Scandals, polling data, and the media’s role
• 12:19–15:34 — Outlook for general election, likely matchup with Swalwell, and critique of state leadership
• 15:34–16:08 — Sign-off and closing critiques of California’s political climate

Takeaways

• California’s Democratic party is highly fractured, creating space for Republican candidates under the “top two” system.
• Political infighting and accusations of unfairness (particularly regarding debate access) are playing out very publicly.
• Steve Hilton presents himself as a bipartisan reformer, harnessing frustration with one-party rule and California’s governance failures.
• There is growing media and institutional scrutiny over waste and corruption, energizing the Republican base.
• The tone remains skeptical and mocking of Democratic leadership throughout.

For listeners seeking a sharp and irreverent overview of California’s latest political chaos, this episode captures the charged mood and shifting dynamics heading into the state’s pivotal gubernatorial race.