Struggling GOP gubernatorial candidate goes full Halloween to attack Dem opponent

California GOP gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton took to Fox News Saturday in a last-ditch effort to attack his political opponent’s policies — doing so dressed as his Democratic rival.

Hilton, a former Fox News host and ex-senior adviser for former U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron, is facing Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra, whom he’s trailed in recent polls by as much as 27 points.

Appearing on Fox News’ “The Big Weekend Show,” Hilton wore a mask of Becerra’s face and attacked his political rival for remaining open to instituting a mileage tax for Californians to help pay for roads and bridges.

“I’m sorry Steve Hilton couldn’t be with us today, so I’m here as Xavier Becerra, and my mileage tax is gonna go up, and up, and up every mile you drive, and you’re gonna love it because Californians love taxes, and that’s why they’re gonna vote for me for governor!” Hilton said, impersonating Becerra.

The hosts on “The Big Weekend Show” said that Hilton faced an uphill battle in California, to which Hilton agreed, but argued that polls showing him behind Becerra by double digits were “establishment polls.”

“I suspect there is a big, hidden vote for change in California, and the simple math is there!” Hilton said. “I think we’ve got a shot! It’s gonna be an uphill battle but we’re fighting every way.”

The two are vying to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom in the Nov. 3 election. Becerra was Health and Human Services secretary under former President Joe Biden and, before that, California attorney general. California has not elected a Republican governor since 2006.

Hilton’s mileage tax attack stems from an interview in which Becerra, asked whether he would consider a vehicle-miles-traveled tax, replied that “everything should be on the table.” A Becerra campaign spokesperson later said he has not proposed a mileage tax.