In solidly blue states, Republicans have been arguing for as long as I can remember that it takes a lot of nerve for Democrats to say "put us back in office," considering how continually electing them has run many blue states into the ground.
Take California, for instance. Rising crime, skyrocketing housing costs, rampant homelessness and open-air drug use, and the high cost of living have plagued the Golden State for years, with some of the worst problems being seen and felt in its bluest parts, like Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Francisco.
Making matters worse, the "solutions" they have for the myriad problems they enabled usually exacerbate those very problems, likely by design. But because Democrat voters are gonna do Democrat things, these people keep getting elected amid the exodus of residents fleeing to safer (red) states where it's not nearly as expensive to live, work, and raise a family.
SEE ALSO: Steve Hilton Exposes the Real Cost of Gavin Newsom’s California
The California System That Locked Out Republicans Is Suddenly 'Unfair' to Dems
Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton (pictured above on the top left) has the leading edge in the race among the other Democrat and Republican contenders in the state's jungle primary, and he has consistently made the argument that Democrats do not deserve to lead California because they are the ones primarily responsible for its ongoing demise.
But sometimes, Hilton doesn't need to make the argument because his Democrat opponents will essentially do it for him. That's exactly what we saw on Monday when San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan (featured above on the top right), a Democrat, tweeted the following message on X:
California ranks first in population loss, first in gas prices, and dead last in housing affordability.
— Mayor Matt Mahan (@MattMahanSJ) May 19, 2026
My party has to own this, fix it, and push back on a federal government that’s making it worse. That’s why I’m running for governor.
Hilton responded accordingly:
"We destroyed California - vote for us!"
— Steve Hilton (@SteveHiltonx) May 19, 2026
🤣🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/Idc1ZF4AKL
The campaign account also blasted back:
You admit California is #1 in population loss, #1 in gas prices, and dead last in housing affordability... because of Democrats… then immediately blame the “federal government” for “making it worse”?
Your party has run this state into the ground for decades—supermajority in Sacramento, endless taxes, regs, and failed policies.
Now you want us to believe you’ll “fix it” by fighting Trump?
No thanks. Californians are done with Democrat FAILURE and excuses.
You admit California is #1 in population loss, #1 in gas prices, and dead last in housing affordability... because of Democrats… then immediately blame the “federal government” for “making it worse”?
— Steve Hilton For Governor (@TeamSteveHilton) May 20, 2026
Your party has run this state into the ground for decades—supermajority in… https://t.co/qBYGPGYAIb
The primary is on June 2nd. California is worth saving. Let's pray that a majority of voters there are ready to begin the process of righting the ship, starting right at the top.
Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
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