Steve Hilton, the Republican candidate who has secured a spot in the November California gubernatorial runoff, visited LA Koreatown and held a town hall meeting to directly engage with Korean American voters.

On the 17th, Hilton attended an event at the Aroma Center in LA Koreatown, where he outlined the challenges facing California and shared his policy vision. He also provided detailed answers to key concerns from the Korean community. The event was organized at the invitation of the ‘Korean American Community Leaders,’ a coalition of seven Korean organizations including the Association of the 5 Northern Provinces, the Korean American Veterans Association Western Chapter, the Committee for Korean Unification, and the Vietnam War Veterans Association.

In his keynote speech, Hilton introduced himself as the son of immigrants who fled communism from Hungary, expressing deep empathy for immigrants who came to America in search of freedom and opportunity. He criticized the Democratic Party’s 16-year hold on power for worsening the business environment through excessive taxes and regulations. He emphasized, “I will create a California where taxes are lowered, government regulations are simplified, residents can focus on their own work, and the government focuses on its proper role.

”Hilton particularly highlighted his plan to bring President Donald Trump’s economic policies to California. He unveiled “Califortable” as his core slogan — a play on words meaning “California + Comfortable” — aimed at reducing the cost of living. His major pledges include exempting state income tax for those earning up to $150,000 annually, applying a flat 8% tax rate above that threshold, lowering utility rates, stabilizing gas prices, and easing housing regulations.

During the Q&A session, Hilton outlined plans to support small business owners and strengthen public safety. He promised to eliminate the annual $800 franchise tax and ease regulations for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. He also pledged to reduce electricity and fuel costs to improve the business environment.