Professional golfer Phil Mickelson has joined the conversation on California’s soaring gas prices, criticizing the state’s energy policies and endorsing GOP gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton for his plan to lower gas prices through offshore oil drilling. In a series of social media posts, Mickelson shared his concerns over the state’s high gas prices, which currently exceed $5 per gallon. The golfer, who has been vocal about his views on various socio-political issues, praised Hilton’s support for the White House’s offshore drilling initiative. Mickelson called the situation ‘sad and going to get worse,’ signaling his frustration with the current state of affairs in California.
Hilton, a top GOP contender for governor in 2026, has made addressing gas prices a key promise of his campaign. He has attributed California’s high gas prices to 15 years of one-party Democratic rule, accusing leaders like former Vice President Kamala Harris of promoting a ‘war on fossil fuels.’ In a recent op-ed published on Fox News Digital, Hilton emphasized that Californians are forced to pay the nation’s highest gas prices due to Democratic climate policies. The candidate’s plan, which aligns with the White House’s offshore drilling initiative, aims to bring gas prices down to $3 per gallon, a goal that has drawn both support and criticism.
Meanwhile, the state faces additional challenges as Valero Energy Corp. announced its plan to close its Benicia refinery near San Francisco in April 2026, threatening over 400 jobs. This development could exacerbate the existing gas price dilemma. A recent analysis by University of Southern California professor Michael Mische warned that Californians could end up paying as much as $8.43 per gallon of gas next year due to the closure of two refineries in the state. The professor’s predictions highlight the growing concerns about the state’s energy supply and its impact on consumer prices.
As the election approaches, Mickelson’s endorsement of Hilton underscores the increasing political significance of energy policy in California. His public criticism of Democratic climate policies and support for offshore drilling reflect a broader conservative stance on the issue. The golfer’s activism on social media has positioned him as a prominent voice in the state’s political landscape, aligning with other conservatives such as former President Donald Trump and the late Charlie Kirk. This shift in support highlights the potential influence of celebrities and public figures in shaping the outcome of the gubernatorial race.