He wants to lead California, but first he wants to expose why schools locked down

He wants to lead California, but first he wants to expose why schools locked down

Former TV host Steve Hilton says he will launch a quick six-month probe into 2020 COVID decisions if he wins.

Millions of children lost years of learning during the pandemic lockdowns. Now, a candidate for governor wants to turn that lasting pain into a state-wide probe.

Former Fox News host Steve Hilton is running for governor of California. He is facing Democrat Xavier Becerra in the upcoming election. Hilton is using an endorsement from Donald Trump to help win votes.

He proposed a quick, six-month probe into the state's 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns. Hilton says the long school closures were caused by corrupt ties between politicians and unions.

Hilton also proposed deep cuts to the state budget and major tax reforms. He wants to eliminate state income tax on the first $150,000 of income for all Californians.

What the money and facts show

• Hilton wants gas prices down to $3 a gallon by using local oil.
• His tax plan cuts state income tax to 0% for those making under $150,000.
• Income above $150,000 would be taxed at a flat 8% rate.
• Trump has a 29% approval rating in the state, but 57% of voters say the state is on the wrong track.
• The proposed COVID-19 lockdown probe would take six months to finish.

The Bigger Question

Is looking backward the best way to heal a state, or does it just keep old political fights alive? Many parents remain angry about lost school years, and Hilton is tapping directly into that pain. But we must ask if a quick, six-month check can find the truth, or if it is just a tool to win votes.

The Other Side

Democrats and union leaders argue that the 2020 lockdowns saved lives during a global health crisis. They say looking back at six-year-old choices wastes state cash and aims to score cheap political points. Based on the deep political divide in California, this defense will likely keep most Democratic voters from supporting Hilton's plan.

What Happens Now

Voters will decide in November if they want a major shift in leadership. If Hilton wins, he will have to work with a state legislature run by Democrats who will likely block his plans. For regular families, the race highlights a real debate over how schools should run and how much tax they should pay.

What We Still Don't Know

1. How would Hilton get his tax cuts approved by a hostile state legislature?
2. Who would lead the proposed six-month COVID-19 probe?
3. What specific proof does Hilton have of corrupt deals between politicians and unions?

Source Note

This story is based on an interview with ABC7 Los Angeles. All charges are allegations - Steve Hilton is presumed innocent until proven guilty.