Final stretch to Election Day as Californias political heavyweights deliver last pitch to voters

California’s political heavyweights hit the campaign trail Saturday as early voting opened, with candidates scrambling to lock down support before Election Day and pitching voters sharply different answers to the state’s affordability and public safety crises.Republican gubernatorial hopeful Steve Hilton took his tax-cut message to the Inland Empire, promising to slash costs for working families after what he called 16 years of one-party rule.Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass rolled out relief for residents struggling with utility bills, while her challenger, Nithya Raman, pressed for an audit of the city’s power and water department.

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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra, meanwhile, was not out campaigning Saturday, after spending the week promoting a tougher approach to homelessness and nonprofits receiving state money.Here’s where the major candidates stand as California voters begin casting ballots ahead of the Nov.

3 election.Hilton, the Republican gubernatorial nominee, was scheduled to headline a rally Saturday at Silverlakes Park in Norco, joined by lieutenant governor candidate Gloria Romero, controller candidate Herb Morgan and Rep.Ken Calvert.The event focused on mobilizing voters in the Inland Empire, where affordability, public safety and the cost of living remain central concerns.Hilton has promised to make the first $150,000 of income tax-free, cut electricity bills in half, bring gas prices down to $3 a gallon and abolish the California Department of Motor Vehicles.Earlier in the week, he vowed to suspend California’s carbon market, calling it “a disaster of a program.”He has also pitched a homelessness strategy built around large recovery centers and clearing encampments when people refuse ...