Steve Hilton argues that California's exorbitant gas prices are a direct result of its own 'insane virtue signaling' and anti-fossil fuel policies, not the war in Iran. He highlights that despite abundant in-state oil reserves, California imports oil from places like Iraq due to its own production clampdowns. Hilton criticizes the state's regressive tax system, which disproportionately affects wage earners, and contrasts it with his plan to eliminate state income tax for those earning $100,000 or less. He asserts that California's governance is the primary cause of its economic woes, including high gas prices, which disproportionately impact lower-income individuals who cannot afford electric vehicles.

Impact: High. This argument directly links California's economic challenges, specifically high gas prices, to its progressive governance, framing it as a self-inflicted wound. It serves as a core plank of the campaign against current state policies.

In the source video, this keypoint occurs from 00:21:24 to 00:25:24.

Sources in support: Steve Hilton (Gubernatorial Candidate), Ben Shapiro (Host)