UPDATE: Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton launched a fierce attack on California Democrats during a campaign stop at a San Jose homeless encampment, branding the situation as “third-world slum conditions.” This urgent visit to Columbus Park, near San Jose Airport, underscores the escalating homelessness crisis in California, where the homeless population has surged by 24% to an estimated 187,000 people under Governor Gavin Newsom‘s administration.
In a provocative video posted this week on X, Hilton walked through the encampment, visibly distressed by the living conditions, which included tents, RVs, and scattered trash. He remarked, “This is Gavin Newsom’s California,” using strong language to describe the pervasive smell. His comments reflect a growing frustration among constituents over the state’s handling of homelessness, despite the staggering $27 billion spent to combat the issue since 2019.
This visit is particularly significant as Hilton recently polled second in the Republican primary, trailing only behind fellow candidate Katie Porter. Political analyst Dan Schnur from UC Berkeley suggests Hilton may be targeting affluent Silicon Valley donors who are increasingly drawn to conservative candidates. “There is an opportunity for support in the tech community,” Schnur noted.
While Hilton’s video primarily targeted Democrats, he notably refrained from criticizing San Jose’s moderate Democrat Mayor Matt Mahan, who has also been vocal about the state’s homelessness policies. Mahan’s office did not respond to requests for comment regarding Hilton’s criticisms.
San Jose, grappling with its own homelessness crisis, is preparing to clear the Columbus Park encampment next week, following multiple incidents of violence and safety concerns. The city plans to invest $19.5 million into revitalizing the park, which will include new recreational facilities such as soccer fields and pickleball courts. However, it remains uncertain how many of the estimated 250 residents will be successfully relocated to shelters.
In his video, Hilton criticized the “housing first” policy, which promotes providing permanent housing to homeless individuals without preconditions. He argues that this approach hampers effective treatment and results in wasteful spending on housing projects that can cost up to $1 million per unit in high-cost areas like the Bay Area. “They make it illegal to solve the problem,” Hilton declared.
The urgency of this issue is amplified by President Donald Trump’s recent executive order, which mandates an end to federal support for housing first programs that do not prioritize accountability and treatment. This directive places additional pressure on state and local officials to address the needs of homeless individuals, particularly those struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues.
As California continues to navigate this complex crisis, the political ramifications are significant. With the 2026 gubernatorial race heating up and key candidates like Kamala Harris and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis out of the running, the dynamics in Silicon Valley may shift, presenting new opportunities for candidates like Hilton who are willing to tackle the contentious issue of homelessness head-on.
As San Jose and other California cities grapple with this pressing challenge, the implications for local communities and future elections are profound. Residents are left asking, “What about us?” as they seek answers from their elected officials amid this ongoing crisis.
