Becerra and Hilton address the economy at NALEO Conference, but no mention of ICE

On the second day of NALEO’s annual conference in Downtown L.A., the top two candidates for California governor, Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton, briefly addressed  attendees. 

During their campaigns, both provided their proposed platforms for issues like the economy, housing, education and immigration.  

On Wednesday in front of hundreds of NALEO attendees, both praised the hard work of Latinos and immigrants. Becerra acknowledged the power of Latinos in politics and Hilton reiterated that he is an immigrant from the United Kingdom, the son of Hungarian parents and knows the struggle to succeed. 

Both candidates also honored the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, highlighting how this is the land of opportunities, but recognized there is a need to do much more. 

During the breakfast session, Becerra said now more than ever it is important to hold the Declaration of Independence’s words “all men are created equal,” and questioned if we are doing it.  

“For 250 years we've been working, but our kids are so wise when they ask us, ‘Are we there yet?’ We have to have the answer,” he said. “It is for us to declare what it means to have access to those rights, to believe in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

In order to create a better nation, Becerra said a moment like this one–the election of a new governor–is what could shape the future of the state. 

He said not only is the price of food, fuel, healthcare, housing and childcare high, but equally challenging is inclusion, diversity and the ability to walk out of home or drive on the streets while being brown.

 “We need champions,” he said. “What we don't need are false prophets or their disciples.”

Becerra said Californians need to step up for everyone, whether for immigrants or a child of immigrants as well as anyone who works hard, who plays by the rules, who pays their taxes and who builds better communities.

The conservative view

During lunchtime, Hilton spoke to the audience, reintroducing himself as a former Fox News host and the Republican candidate who received President Trump’s endorsement. 

He emphasized his immigrant background and coming from a blue-collar family.

“So that story of the immigrant aspiration climbing the ladder of opportunity in a new country, that is my story. I worked hard. I got to Oxford University, started businesses,” he said.

Hilton said he has spoken to working-class people in the state.  

“I ran a couple of restaurants. That is a really tough business, and it is especially tough today in California for small business owners, for working-class Californians and that's what I'm fighting for in this campaign,” he said.

He said his campaign is about climbing the “ladder of opportunity.” He also promised “three-dollar gas, cut electric bills in half, your first 150 grand tax-free, starter homes for young families, standards back in our school system.”

Neither candidate mentioned ICE or what the Trump immigration policy has caused in California communities. 

Their speeches took place on the same day a new poll revealed the latest popularity numbers. 

According to thePublic Policy Institute of California (PPIC), Becerra is leading Hilton by at least a 25-point advantage across most demographics, including age, gender and income.

NALEO is the nation’s largest non-partisan organization representing the thousands of Latino elected and appointed public officials across the United States; its annual conference is one of the  most prestigious gatherings of Latino policymakers. 

The election for the next California governor will take place on Nov. 3, 2026.