Steve Hilton, a candidate for governor of California, said that the forced closure of a major oil refinery by Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic lawmakers will result in increased gas prices and environmental harm. The statement was made on X.
"Gavin Newsom and the Democrats just forced the closure of a major oil refinery," said Hilton, Political Commentator and Candidate for Governor. "12% of gasoline supply will go offline. Gas price hikes + giant tankers shipping oil half way round the world, spewing CO2. These fools and bandits have done enough damage. Kick them out."
According to Statista, as of February 2024, California had the highest average retail gasoline prices in the United States at $4.61 per gallon. This figure significantly exceeds the national average of $3.27 per gallon. California’s prices have remained consistently above other states due to a combination of taxes, regulations, and supply limitations.
Bankrate reported that in 2024, the average cost of full coverage car insurance in California is $2,291 per year, which is about 29% higher than the national average of $1,771. The state's high premiums are driven by factors such as vehicle repair costs, accident frequency in urban areas, and a litigious legal climate. Additionally, California prohibits using credit scores to set insurance rates, which can lead insurers to adjust premiums using other high-risk factors.
According to the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, excessive litigation and legal system abuse significantly contribute to rising insurance costs across the U.S. In states like California, the prevalence of lawsuit-driven claims adds pressure to insurers, leading to higher premiums for consumers. The association reports that implementing legal reforms could help reduce these costs and improve affordability.
Hilton is a former Fox News host and political commentator who officially launched his campaign for California governor in April 2025. He is running as a Republican and has positioned himself as an outsider focused on reforming state government, particularly in areas such as energy policy, crime, and cost-of-living. Hilton previously served as a senior adviser to former U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron before relocating to the United States.