Can Steve Hilton, a Republican, pull off a victory over Democrat Xavier Becerra to win the governor’s race this November? Especially with registered Republicans being outnumbered two to one?

I remain rather pessimistic that California can break its addiction to failed Democrat leadership. It’s almost as if they really know things are bad but are too prideful to admit that Gavin Newsom has failed miserably and he’s one of theirs.

Some are more optimistic than I am. They point out that Becerra’s favorability rating among Independents at a dismal 28 percent.

Hilton’s internal polling shows Becerra leading by 55 percent to 39 percent. At the same time, one poll shows that 52 percent of Californians say the state is on the wrong track and 66 percent want major changes in policy. It’s bad news for Becerra that only 34 percent feel California is being governed the way it should be. A poll showed Becerra has locked in 41 percent of voters who definitely will vote for him. Twenty-six percent are open to change but will they give Hilton a serious consideration.

Meanwhile, a flip of seven seats in the state Legislature will break the super majority that Democrats have presently.

GOP voters need to get serious and turn out to make a difference.

There is hope. Look to Oregon, our neighbor to the north.

In 39 years, Oregon has not elected a Republican as governor but GOP candidate Christine Drazen is now polling four percentage points ahead of Democrat Gov. Tina Kotek, 48 to 44 percent. Kotek’s approval rating is at 38 percent, the lowest of any of the 50 governors. Like California, a majority say Oregon is on the wrong track (59 percent). For example, Oregon is dead last in fourth grade reading scores. Oregon also suffers from homelessness and drug overdose deaths. On top of that Oregon rates 47th nationally in job creation.

Will Drazen prevail? It may be a longshot. But what is happening is that traditional Democrats are scared that the radical socialists in their party are going off the rails and they are losing support to the GOP.

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Governor Newsom signed AB 1768 that allows Los Angeles County and Contra Costa County to exceed the previous statewide cap on local transactions and use taxes under certain conditions, if voters approve local tax measures. The move makes it possible for some cities and counties to raise sales taxes as high as 11.25 percent.

When are enough taxes enough?

Meanwhile, back at home, Ceres is seeking to increase sales taxes by one cent.

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I think it’s interesting that the council decided against lowering speed limits on certain roads in the Eastgate area. Councilwoman Rosalinda Vierra said: “I don’t know if speed limits necessarily change behavior.” My answer is they will care if they get a ticket and it hits them in the pocketbook but that requires radar enforcement.

She also expressed concern about the costs of changing out signs at an estimated cost of about $1,700 per sign. The same councilperson didn’t even entertain a concern about costs of providing her and Daniel Martinez with health insurance. Keep in mind that she also has health bennies through her workplace.

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I bought a newer vehicle last year. My fiance bought a new car last week.

Neither of us wanted an electric car but yet the Democrats are bound and determined to cram them down our throats despite what we want. Newsom wants all new passenger-car and light-truck sales to qualify as zero-emission vehicles by 2035, which is only nine years away.

The Public Policy Institute of California found that opposition to Newsom’s plan among Democrats rose from 31 percent in 2021 to 50 percent now. Opposition among independents increased from 56 to 69 percent, while Republican opposition rose from 85 to 91 percent.

Of course, those making more than $100,000 per year are much more likely to buy an EV.

EV doesn’t make sense if you have to drive far distances in the big state of California.

This column is the opinion of Jeff Benziger, and does not necessarily represent the opinion of The Ceres Courier or 209 Multimedia Corporation. How do you feel about this? Let Jeff know at jeffb@cerescourier.com