HUGHES ON THE ISSUES
Lowering the Cost of Living
California’s cost of living is among the highest in the nation, making it increasingly difficult for families to afford necessities. I am committed to easing financial burdens and making life more affordable by:
Eliminating the gas tax, lowering the cost of fuel, groceries, and housing.
Opposing wasteful new taxes and advocating for a Middle-Class Tax Cut, ensuring families can afford their mortgages, utilities, and savings for their children’s education or retirement.
Reducing overregulation and eliminating excessive government fees and costly mandates that drive up price increases on everyday goods and services.
Supporting our Veterans and Military Families
Veterans deserve more than just gratitude - they deserve action. As a U.S. Navy veteran, I understand the sacrifices made by those who serve and by their families. I am dedicated to:
Ending California’s tax on military pensions, allowing veterans to keep more of what they have earned.
Providing property tax relief, extending a $150,000 tax-free exemption on home values for veterans.
Creating hiring incentives for veterans, offering a $30,000 state tax exemption to businesses employing veterans in permanent, mortgage-paying jobs.
Restoring Public Safety & Holding Criminals Accountable
Every Californian deserves to live in a safe community, but reckless policies have fueled a surge in crime. As a retired law enforcement officer and public safety advocate, I am committed to:
Standing against efforts to “Defund the Police” and protecting the Peace Officer’s Bill of Rights, ensuring law enforcement has the resources and protections needed to do their jobs effectively.
Ending early release policies, keeping dangerous criminals off our streets. Overcrowding is no excuse for reckless policies - if necessary, I will push for expanding prison capacity to ensure public safety.
Reinstating the death penalty, ensuring accountability for the most heinous crimes, including the murder of law enforcement officers and crimes against children.
Securing the Border & Enforcing Immigration Laws
California must do its part in securing the border and stopping illegal immigration. I support:
Increasing Border Patrol staffing to protect our communities.
Ending sanctuary cities, ensuring state and local law enforcement can cooperate with federal authorities in arresting, prosecuting, and deporting criminal illegal immigrants.
Reforming the immigration system to a merit-based approach, ensuring new citizens have the opportunity to achieve and contribute to the American Dream.
Fixing Our Schools & Expanding Educational Opportunities
Every child deserves access to quality education, free from political agendas and bureaucratic overreach. I am passionate about:
Expanding school choice, so parents—not government officials—decide where their children are educated.
Refocusing classroom instruction on core subjects, prioritizing reading, writing, math, and job-ready skills over divisive politics.
Investing in vocational and trade programs, preparing students with real-world skills for mortgage-paying careers in fields like construction, mechanics, technology, and healthcare.
Protecting Small Businesses & Growing the Economy
As a small business owner, I understand the challenges of rising costs, overregulation, and burdensome taxes. I am focused on:
Cutting red tape and reducing government regulations, making it easier for small businesses to thrive.
Supporting tax relief for small businesses, allowing entrepreneurs to hire more workers and grow local economies.
Investing in infrastructure, improving roads, transportation, and broadband access to make California more competitive for business growth.
