Hilton’s energy-populist gambit reshapes California’s governor race

Republican Steve Hilton is running on a populist energy platform: break up PG&E’s monopoly, slash renewable-energy mandates, and cut refinery environmental rules to drive down gas and electricity costs. The plan mirrors Tom Steyer’s anti-utility approach but diverges on renewables policy and aims to tap voter frustration over high prices in California, though it faces pushback from Democrats and questions about feasibility in a deep-blue state.