Hour 3 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show centers on a wide‑ranging and in‑depth interview with Republican California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton, followed by caller reaction and continued analysis of the escalating U.S.–Iran showdown. The hour opens with Hilton reacting to the sudden collapse of Eric Swalwell’s campaign, describing the allegations against Swalwell as a longtime “open secret” in Sacramento and Washington that was ignored until it threatened Democratic power. Hilton argues the timing of Swalwell’s downfall reflects the corruption and arrogance of one‑party rule in California, where Democrats routinely preach ethics while protecting insiders until political risk outweighs loyalty. He tells Clay and Buck that the scandal reinforces voter hunger for what he calls “regime change” in California politics.
Hilton further addresses speculation that billionaire Tom Steyer orchestrated the exposure of Swalwell, noting widespread chatter—from Democratic insiders and reporters—that Steyer’s unlimited spending and desire to dominate the race triggered a “code red.” He explains how Swalwell’s exit reshapes California’s unusual jungle primary system, reinforcing Hilton’s argument that Republicans must consolidate around a single candidate to ensure at least one GOP contender reaches the top two. Hilton highlights his growing polling lead, recent momentum following President Trump’s endorsement, and warns that a Democrat consolidation behind Steyer or Katie Porter could shut Republicans out if the vote splinters.
The conversation broadens into how Iran policy is resonating with California voters, particularly among the large Iranian‑American community concentrated in Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Hilton says those voters are overwhelmingly supportive of President Trump’s hardline stance against the Iranian regime, viewing it as long‑overdue accountability. Clay and Buck note the symbolic overlap between confronting Tehran and demanding accountability from entrenched political elites in California, reinforcing Hilton’s framing of local and global “regime change” as parallel themes.
Hilton then outlines the pathway to a Republican victory in California, emphasizing turnout rather than persuasion. He argues that Republican votes alone could win the governorship if turnout approaches presidential‑year levels, aided by ballot initiatives such as voter ID and protections for Proposition 13. Beyond the base, Hilton pitches his “Califordable” agenda—lower gas prices, reduced energy bills, tax relief, affordable housing, and ending taxpayer‑funded benefits for illegal immigrants—as a cross‑party appeal to cost‑of‑living voters fed up with Democratic governance.
Later in Hour 3, the focus shifts back to governance failures in Los Angeles, particularly the stalled rebuilding of the Palisades fire zone. Hilton criticizes state and local officials for using the disaster to push ideological housing schemes rather than issuing permits and rebuilding neighborhoods, fueling resentment among longtime Democratic donors now backing change. He also highlights growing outrage over fraud and misuse of taxpayer money, predicting another taxpayer revolt similar to the one that produced Proposition 13 in the 1970s.
The final segments pivot to audience calls and talkbacks, returning to the Iran conflict. Listeners and the hosts debate whether Iran’s uranium stockpile can realistically be seized and whether President Trump’s “either they give it up or we take it” posture signals a coming special operations mission. Buck and Clay discuss Iran’s leadership incentives, agreeing that voluntary surrender of nuclear material is nearly impossible due to internal regime survival. They note that oil prices and stock markets remain calm, suggesting investors anticipate a contained resolution rather than full‑scale war.
Additional listener calls analyze Iranian leadership psychology, arguing regime figures are not “crazy” but cornered, ruthless, and rational within their own value system—dragging out conflict because defeat likely means death at home. The hour closes with reflection on elites, media narratives, and crisis politics—from COVID to Katrina—drawing parallels between manufactured outrage and real accountability.
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