California GOP gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton criticized Governor Gavin Newsom during a press conference in Los Angeles, where anti-ICE riots were still ongoing. Hilton, who announced his candidacy in April, called Newsom a ‘total joke,’ arguing that his leadership has failed to manage the crisis and uphold law and order. His comments came alongside former Democratic state senate leader Gloria Romero, who also criticized Newsom’s administration for the chaos, suggesting it reflects the broader political divide within the state. The unrest has prompted the deployment of U.S. Marines to Los Angeles in anticipation of further violence, as tensions between Newsom and President Donald Trump over immigration policies continue to intensify. Newsom’s refusal to back down from Trump has sparked speculation about his potential presidential ambitions in 2028, further complicating the political landscape in California.