Republican Candidates Address Central Valley Voters Before June Primary

The event took place in Clovis, near Fresno, less than two weeks before the June 2 primary. The candidates discussed public safety, water management, small business policy, and homeowner insurance.

Hilton criticized Gov.

Gavin Newsom’s $20-million program that provides free diapers to families of newborns. Bianco said California’s criminal justice system is broken and pledged to replace every member of the state parole review board. Both candidates said they would build new dams and raise existing ones to increase water storage for agriculture.

Hilton said the state has the resources to succeed but lacks effective leadership. Bianco said he would eliminate the California Environmental Quality Act, the California Coastal Commission, and the state Air Resources Board to speed housing construction.

Hilton received an endorsement from President Trump in early April and leads recent polls. A poll released last week by the California Democratic Party showed Hilton at 22 percent and Bianco at 10 percent among likely voters. Bianco said the Trump endorsement helps Hilton in the Central Valley but may hurt his chances in the general election.

Bianco argued he is better positioned to attract Democratic voters on public safety issues.

Attendees at the event expressed frustration with state policies on water allocation, crime, and transgender participation in girls’ sports. Some said they would consider moving out of California if a Republican does not win the governorship. State Sen. Shannon Grove, who moderated the forum, asked both candidates to support whichever Republican advances from the primary.