Podcast Summary: Morning Wire - "Is California Ready to Vote Red?" | March 30, 2025

Podcast Information

• Title: Morning Wire
• Host/Author: The Daily Wire
• Episode: Is California Ready to Vote Red?
• Release Date: March 30, 2025

Hosts:

• Georgia Howe – Co-Host
• John Bickley – Editor-in-Chief, The Daily Wire

Guest:

• Steve Hilton – Entrepreneur, Bestselling Author, and Podcast Host

Introduction

In the March 30, 2025 edition of Morning Wire, Georgia Howe and John Bickley delve into the shifting political landscape of California. Amidst declining trust in traditional media, the episode explores the increasing openness among Californians to vote Republican in upcoming elections. The primary guest, Steve Hilton, provides insights into the factors driving this potential political realignment.

Current Political Climate in California

Georgia Howe opens the discussion by highlighting a recent poll indicating that 48% of Californians are considering voting Republican in the next gubernatorial election ([00:03]). This marks a significant shift in a state long dominated by Democratic leadership.

Steve Hilton expresses unwavering confidence in this trend:

“Yes, 100%. The poll you're talking about… there’s a feeling that we can't go on like this in California has been building now for such a long time.” ([01:31])

He emphasizes that California is "already and has been for years a much more Republican state than people think," pointing out that the last Republican to win a statewide election was Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006.

Analysis of Polls and Demographics

Georgia Howe probes deeper into the polling data:

“You said 50% of Californians said they're open to voting for a Republican. How much of a swing is that from baseline?” ([03:35])

Steve Hilton explains that historically, Republican support in California has hovered around 40%, citing that the average statewide vote share for Republicans since 2006 has been approximately 41.7%. This indicates that the current polling is not only feasible but represents a substantial increase in Republican openness.

Hilton further discusses demographic shifts, noting:

“The largest group in California now are Latinos. 40% of the state is Latino… the working-class Latino vote… is a massive opportunity for Republicans.” ([11:30])

He argues that Republicans can capitalize on the economic frustrations felt by Latino communities, offering a promise of a better quality of life and the rekindling of the "California dream."

Policy Failures Highlighted

A significant portion of the conversation centers on policy missteps under Democratic governance:

1. Wildfire Management:

   • Steve Hilton criticizes the state's handling of wildfires, attributing failures to "climate extremism" and inadequate brush management ([07:30]).
   • He recalls former practices of controlled burns and forest management, which have been curtailed by stringent environmental regulations.

2. Economic Struggles:

   • Hilton highlights California’s economic woes, including the highest rates of poverty, exorbitant taxes, and the most challenging business climate in the nation ([03:35]).
   • The state faces a "massive housing shortage," escalating housing costs, and exorbitant utility prices.

3. Government Corruption and Deficits:

   • Addressing the recent announcement of a nearly $1 billion deficit in Los Angeles ([08:39]), Hilton attributes fiscal irresponsibility to excessive spending on luxury pensions, healthcare for government unions, and cronyism.
   • He cites mismanagement in homelessness initiatives, with funds misallocated to ineffective programs and nonprofits ([08:54]).

“That's the complete mess… total corruption with the homeless issue … $38 billion… just completely wasted.” ([08:54])

Potential Republican Shift and Candidates

The discussion shifts to the viability of Republicans gaining significant ground in California:

• Hilton dismisses the idea of moderating Democratic candidates as a solution, asserting that true change requires electing Republicans:

  “You can't [win by running as a Democrat]. The only way to get the change we need in California is to elect a Republican.” ([05:13])

• He references Rick Caruso’s unsuccessful mayoral bid in Los Angeles as an example of the limitations within the Democratic framework.

• Highlighting the strategic advantage, Hilton points to the growing Republican registration overtaking previously dominant "No Party Preference" (NPP) voters, indicating a newfound confidence among independents to openly support Republican candidates ([11:30]).

Insights from Steve Hilton's Book: Caliphalia

Georgia Howe inquires about the primary recommendations from Hilton’s book, Caliphalia, aimed at reversing California’s decline.

Steve Hilton identifies the "size and scope of government" as the root cause of California's myriad problems:

“The overall size and scope and bloat of government… endless regulations and bureaucracy.” ([13:30])

Key recommendations include:

1. Reducing Government Size:

   • Streamlining regulations to foster business growth and alleviate economic pressure on residents.

2. Economic Reforms:

   • Addressing high taxes and reducing the burden on businesses and individuals.

3. Housing and Infrastructure:

   • Tackling the housing shortage by easing construction regulations and encouraging development.

4. Environmental Policy Overhaul:

   • Shifting away from extreme environmentalism to practical fire management and resource allocation.

“If you're going to actually make that [housing expansion] happen, we need to abandon this extreme environmentalism, this climatism.” ([07:30])

Hilton advocates for a significant reduction in government interference, portraying it as essential for revitalizing California’s economy and livability.

Future Prospects and Potential Candidates

When asked about potential Republican candidates capable of leading California towards recovery, Steve Hilton reveals his personal contemplation:

“I'm strongly considering running for governor myself in 2026. … I’m going to make my decision much sooner than that, so I'll probably should leave it there.” ([15:25])

This statement underscores his commitment to effecting change and suggests a possible future shift in California’s political leadership.

Conclusion

The episode of Morning Wire presents a compelling case for a political shift in California's landscape. With declining trust in Democratic leadership, exacerbated by policy failures and economic struggles, there appears to be a growing openness among Californians to consider Republican candidates. Steve Hilton's insights highlight systemic issues and propose significant government reforms as pathways to restoring California's prosperity and addressing the state's pressing challenges. As California edges closer to potential political realignment, the implications could reshape its future trajectory profoundly.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Hilton ([01:31]): “There really is change building… California, under this one-party rule… we have the worst in America.”

• Steve Hilton ([05:13]): “The only way to get the change we need in California is to elect a Republican.”

• Steve Hilton ([08:54]): “Homelessness has simply gone up. It’s gone into the pockets of homeless nonprofits. Connected crony developers… it’s just this complete mess.”

• Steve Hilton ([15:25]): “I’m strongly considering running for governor myself in 2026.”

This summary provides an in-depth overview of the key discussions and insights from the "Is California Ready to Vote Red?" episode of Morning Wire, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the potential political shifts and challenges facing California.