One of the main drivers of crime and chaos on California’s streets is Gavin Newsom’s prison closure policy. This has resulted in dangerous criminals being released early or transferred to county jails, which in turn has resulted in lower-level criminals not serving time at all. California’s streets are less safe because Democrat politicians have put the far left ideology of “decarceration,” regardless of the degree of criminal conduct, ahead of protecting the public with common sense policies to hold criminals accountable so that crime is properly punished and prevented.

Steve Hilton’s plan will reverse Gavin Newsom’s prison closures, end soft-on-crime policies, and build a reformed prison system that not only delivers punishment, but also effective rehabilitation – the two essential components of fighting and deterring crime.

The Broken System: How We Got Here

California’s prison overcrowding problem reached a tipping point in 2011. The federal courts stepped in, and then-Governor Jerry Brown’s “realignment” policy sent thousands of state inmates to already strained county jails.

Instead of fixing the imbalance, Gavin Newsom made it worse. He shut down four state prisons, even as violent crime rose, and plans to close a fifth. Now it is county jails that are full, and judges are ordering the early release of inmates to avoid overcrowding. This means fewer consequences for criminals, fewer opportunities for rehabilitation, and more danger for the public. The system is broken.

Democrat Policies – Close Prisons, Release Criminals, More Crime

California Democrats have embraced a soft-on-crime ideology that protects offenders and abandons victims. They call it “decarceration” – the idea that prison is inherently bad, racist and should play no part in the criminal justice system.

As a result, Democrats have shut down prisons, cut capacity, and handed the Department of Corrections over to pro-criminal appointees who fast-track early releases and oppose meaningful consequences for crime. Four state prisons have already been closed: Deuel Vocational Institution in 2021, California Correctional Center in 2023, California City Correctional Facility in early 2024, and Chuckawalla Valley State Prison in late 2024. California’s prison population has fallen from 135,600 in 2014 to 92,582 in 2024, a nearly 32% decline. This includes 15,000 prisoners recklessly released by Gavin Newsom during the covid pandemic.

Despite the shuttering of state prisons, the state received no budget savings as the CDCR budget has risen every year, and has more than doubled since 2011.

Dangerous criminals have been transferred to county jails without the resources or facilities to properly hold, let alone rehabilitate them. This in turn has meant that lower-level offenders who would previously have served time in county jail are being released, or not serving time at all, and are not being rehabilitated.

This failure hits working-class communities the hardest. Violent and repeat offenders are cycling through the system without consequences, and those who want a second chance are too often denied access to rehabilitation that works. The result is chaos and crime on our streets as the system fails to uphold the law and enforce standards of civilized behavior. The quality of life for ordinary Californians is deteriorating as they’re left to deal with the fallout.

Steve Hilton’s Plan – More Prison Capacity, More Accountability, Less Crime

The number of criminals should determine prison capacity; prison capacity should not determine the number of criminals, which appears to be current state policy. Since 2011, the governor and legislature have weakened criminal laws to match their policy of reducing the number of criminals and prison capacity, regardless of actual crime.

As governor, Steve Hilton will take immediate action to fix the overcrowding crisis, restore consequences for crime, and make prisons more effective at reducing repeat offending:

Reopen shuttered state prisons to relieve pressure on overcrowded county jails and ensure there is enough space to keep dangerous, violent offenders locked up.

Replace soft-on-crime bureaucrats at the Department of Corrections and end those early release programs that let violent inmates out based on “good conduct” despite serious disciplinary records.

Make early release credits contingent on completing educational or job-training programs such as a GED, college coursework, or vocational certification.

Expand treatment and in-custody rehabilitation programs to address addiction and mental health issues that drive crime.

Replace failing government rehabilitation programs with ‘payment-by-results’ contracts for professional providers incentivized to ensure inmates leave with everything in place to get their lives back on track and to make a positive contribution to society.

Advance legislation that fixes the ‘realignment’ mess and ensures criminals are sent to the appropriate facilities based on the severity of their crimes.

The Impact on California Communities

Who Gets Hurt Most by Prison Closures?

Working-class communities bear the brunt of California’s failed prison policies. When dangerous criminals are released early or not incarcerated at all, it’s ordinary Californians who face the consequences:

• Increased violent crime in neighborhoods across the state
• Repeat offenders cycling through the system without consequences
• Victims denied justice as criminals face minimal punishment
• Small businesses struggling with theft and vandalism
• Families afraid to walk their own streets

The Economic Cost of Crime

California’s soft-on-crime policies don’t just endanger public safety – they hurt the economy:

• Businesses relocating due to crime concerns
• Property values declining in high-crime areas
• Tourism revenue lost to safety concerns
• Increased security costs for businesses and residents

Rehabilitation That Works: Steve Hilton’s Reform Approach

Unlike Democrats who simply release criminals without consequences, Steve Hilton’s plan combines accountability with effective rehabilitation:

Evidence-Based Programs

• Educational opportunities including GED and college coursework
• Vocational training for in-demand job skills
• Addiction treatment addressing root causes of criminal behavior
• Mental health services for inmates with psychological issues

Payment-by-Results System

Steve Hilton will replace failing government programs with professional providers who are incentivized to ensure inmates successfully reintegrate into society. This approach has proven successful in other states and reduces recidivism rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How will expanding prison capacity be funded? A: The CDCR budget has more than doubled since 2011 despite closing prisons. Reopening facilities will use existing infrastructure more efficiently while ensuring public safety.

Q: Won’t this just warehouse criminals without helping them? A: No. Steve Hilton’s plan specifically emphasizes rehabilitation programs tied to early release credits, ensuring inmates earn their way out through education and job training.

Q: How quickly can closed prisons be reopened? A: With executive action, some facilities could begin accepting inmates within months, providing immediate relief to overcrowded county jails.

Q: What about rehabilitation programs? A: Steve Hilton will expand treatment programs while ensuring they’re effective through payment-by-results contracts that incentivize successful outcomes.

The Choice is Between Public Safety & Ideology

California voters face a clear choice between two visions for criminal justice:

Democrats: Continue closing prisons, releasing criminals, and prioritizing ideology over public safety

Steve Hilton: Reopen prisons, restore consequences for crime, and implement rehabilitation programs that actually work

Take Action and Support Safe Communities

California families deserve to feel safe in their communities. Steve Hilton’s plan offers a proven path to reducing crime while giving offenders real opportunities for rehabilitation.

Ready to support safer communities?

• Follow Steve Hilton’s campaign for criminal justice updates
• Share this plan with concerned neighbors and family
• Volunteer to help restore public safety in California

California’s prisons should be places where justice is served and lives are changed for good. As governor, Steve Hilton will make that vision a reality.