URGENT UPDATE: Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has made headlines with a dramatic campaign stop at a homeless encampment in San Jose, criticizing Democrats for worsening conditions in California. In a video posted on social media this week, Hilton walked through the Columbus Park site, highlighting the “third-world slum conditions” he claims have proliferated under Democratic governance.
The former Fox News host, who recently polled second in the race behind Democrat Katie Porter, pointed to the visible struggles of those living in makeshift tents and RVs. “This is Gavin Newsom’s California,” Hilton declared, using colorful language to describe the environment. His comments come amid a troubling report that the state’s homeless population has surged by 24% to an estimated 187,000 people, despite over $27 billion spent on homelessness initiatives since 2019.
The urgency of the situation has drawn attention from political analysts. Dan Schnur, a political science professor, suggests Hilton’s visit may be an effort to attract affluent Silicon Valley donors who are increasingly leaning towards conservative candidates. “They may have seen an opportunity for support in the tech community,” Schnur noted, emphasizing the significance of the location choice.
While Hilton’s video targets the Democratic leadership, he notably refrained from directly criticizing San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a moderate Democrat who has also voiced concerns about the state’s homeless response. Mahan’s administration recently adopted a controversial ordinance allowing the citation or arrest of homeless individuals who refuse shelter beds, illustrating the complexity of the local political landscape.
As the city prepares to clear the Columbus Park encampment next week—a site plagued by fires and violence, including a fatal stabbing—officials are working to provide shelter for the more than 250 residents currently living there. However, the effectiveness of these efforts remains uncertain, as families with children still inhabit the dangerous site.
In his video, Hilton criticized the “housing first” policy, which advocates providing permanent housing to homeless individuals without preconditions. He argues that this approach, endorsed by state and previous federal officials, hinders treatment opportunities for those in need. “They make it illegal to solve the problem,” he asserted, calling for a reevaluation of current strategies.
This debate is heating up as President Donald Trump recently mandated federal officials to withdraw support for housing-first programs that do not prioritize accountability. He urged state and local governments to move individuals with mental health and addiction issues into involuntary care to avoid losing federal funding.
In California, some Democrats are also pushing for legislative changes to allow greater funding for abstinence-based treatment centers, though these proposals have yet to gain traction in the legislature.
With the San Jose encampment set to be cleared, the urgency of addressing homelessness in California remains critical. As local officials work on revitalization plans for Columbus Park—budgeted at $19.5 million—the community continues to seek answers and solutions.
The developments in San Jose underscore a growing tension in California politics, where the homeless crisis intersects with campaign strategies and community safety. With elections approaching, the spotlight on homelessness is likely to intensify, prompting further discussions about effective solutions.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.