Huntington Beach, California, September 26, 2025
News Summary
California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has officially begun his campaign, aiming to challenge incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom. Hilton criticizes Newsom’s policies that he believes have negatively impacted the state’s business environment and proposes initiatives like eliminating the state income tax for low-income residents. His campaign has gained traction with endorsements from notable figures in the Republican Party, although he faces challenges in a historically tough landscape for statewide Republicans.
California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has officially announced his bid to challenge incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom, focusing on reversing Newsom’s policies that he claims have harmed the state’s business climate. Hilton criticized the governor’s administration during a recent podcast interview, highlighting concerns raised by the Public Policy Institute of California regarding the increasing exodus of companies from the state.
Hilton’s campaign launch took place at Huntington Beach pier, where he articulated a vision to restore the “California dream,” which he argues has deteriorated under the Democratic leadership. He described the state as being subjected to an “ideological experiment” resulting in what he calls “far-left extremism.”
In addition to challenging Newsom’s social media engagement, which he deemed pathetic, Hilton expressed concern over key issues such as the Green New Deal and the state’s ban on new gas-powered cars by 2035, asserting these policies have compounded California’s challenges.
To improve the state’s business climate, Hilton has proposed several initiatives, including the elimination of state income tax for residents earning below $100,000, increasing the availability of affordable housing, and enhancing student performance in public schools. Despite his assertions about California’s rising unemployment rates, which he claimed were the highest in the nation, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that other states currently have higher unemployment rates.
Hilton’s campaign has garnered endorsements from prominent figures associated with the Republican Party, including Vivek Ramaswamy and Charlie Kirk. The upcoming election is anticipated to operate under a jungle primary system, which means that the top two candidates from any party will move on to the general election. This is considered advantageous for Hilton and other Republican hopefuls, especially if the Democratic votes become split.
However, Hilton faces significant challenges as statewide Republicans in California have struggled in elections since 2006. Nonetheless, many in the state’s Republican Party view Hilton as a viable candidate capable of reviving their political fortunes.
Hilton, the son of Hungarian immigrants who fled during a revolution, has previously worked in both politics and business consulting. He became a U.S. citizen in 2021 and has maintained a critical stance against pandemic-related shutdowns. He founded Golden Together, a research group focused on addressing California’s pressing issues, including business climate, homelessness, crime, affordable housing, and wildfires.
Notably, Hilton believes that the current political scenario could lead to a divided Democratic vote, creating an opportunity for a Republican candidate to secure a place in the general election. He emphasizes that practical solutions must address everyday Californians’ concerns rather than getting entangled in ideological disputes.
Overview of Steve Hilton’s Gubernatorial Campaign
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Candidate Name | Steve Hilton |
| Governor | Gavin Newsom |
| Main Issues Addressed | Business climate, unemployment, housing, education |
| Proposed Changes | Remove state income tax for households under $100,000; build affordable housing; enhance public school performance |
| Endorsements | Vivek Ramaswamy, Charlie Kirk |
| Political Background | Founder of Golden Together; son of Hungarian immigrants |
FAQ
Who is Steve Hilton?
Steve Hilton is a California gubernatorial candidate focused on reversing Gavin Newsom’s business policies.
What are Hilton’s main proposals for California?
Hilton has proposed removing the state income tax for residents earning $100,000 or less, building more affordable housing, and improving student performance in public schools.
What criticism has Hilton made against Gavin Newsom?
Hilton criticized Newsom’s business policies and his social media presence, referring to the California business climate as “pathetic.”
What is the current political landscape for Republicans in California?
Historically, statewide Republicans have struggled, losing elections since 2006, but Hilton’s candidacy is seen as a potential opportunity for the party.
What kind of voting system will be used in the upcoming election?
The upcoming election will feature a jungle primary system where the top two candidates can include Republicans if Democrats split their votes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Los Angeles Times: Steve Hilton’s Governor Campaign
- New York Times: Steve Hilton Running for Governor
- KCRA: Interview with Steve Hilton
- Google Search: Steve Hilton California Governor Campaign
- Fox Business: Steve Hilton Interview
- Wikipedia: California Gubernatorial Election
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MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
