Steve Hilton Announces Candidacy for California Governor

Categories: California Breaking NewsCalifornia News

A hopeful view of California, representing a vision for change as a new gubernatorial election approaches.

News Summary

Steve Hilton, a former Fox News contributor, has declared his candidacy for the 2026 California gubernatorial election with the slogan ‘Make California Golden Again.’ Hilton critiques the current leadership, attributing California’s decline to 15 years of Democratic rule. He promises to address pressing economic issues like poverty and high taxes. Endorsed by Vivek Ramaswamy, Hilton’s campaign aims to unify Republican voters amid a competitive political landscape, as dissatisfaction with the current administration grows among Californians.

California – Steve Hilton, a former Fox News contributor and tech entrepreneur, has announced his candidacy for governor in the 2026 California gubernatorial election. Hilton’s campaign, highlighted by the slogan “Make California Golden Again,” aims to address the needs of working people and revitalize a state he claims has suffered under “15 years of one-party rule.”

Hilton, who regards California as “the best place in the world,” argues that the state’s current state is “barely recognizable,” attributing its decline to the longstanding dominance of Democratic leadership. He characterized the upcoming election as a “life-or-death moment” for California, emphasizing his belief that the state faces rapid deterioration if Democratic policies continue.

In a sign of early support, Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has endorsed Hilton, labeling him as a figure of “American excellence.” This endorsement could enhance Hilton’s appeal among Republican voters in a state where party alignment is frequently tested by the Democratic majority.

Born in the United Kingdom, Hilton graduated from New College at Oxford and previously served as a senior advisor to former British Prime Minister David Cameron. He is also known for co-founding the tech startup Crowdpac.com and hosting the Fox News show “The Next Revolution” from 2017 to 2023.

As the race takes shape, Hilton faces competitive challenges from Democratic candidates, including Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra. Other Republican challengers, such as Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, have also declared their candidacies. Recent polls indicate that 48% of likely California voters are open to considering a Republican candidate for governor, suggesting a potentially competitive landscape.

Hilton’s campaign is grounded in addressing pressing issues facing the state, such as increasing poverty rates, high taxes, and a significant affordability crisis. He highlights studies indicating that one-third of Californians struggle to meet their basic needs, a situation exacerbated by soaring housing costs. The dissatisfaction with the current political climate has contributed to many residents considering leaving the state.

In framing his campaign, Hilton asserts that the California Dream has become elusive under Democratic governance. He critiques existing policies as ineffective, positioning himself as the agent for change that California needs. Hilton calls for a shift towards solutions that tackle the problems of economic disparity and accessibility, aiming to restore California’s former status as a land of opportunity.

The 2026 gubernatorial election is wide open, as the current Governor, Gavin Newsom, is term-limited and cannot run for re-election. With both Republican and Democratic contenders emerging, the race is expected to gain momentum as election day approaches.

Hilton’s message resonates with those disenchanted by the status quo and searching for an alternative leader who claims to be dedicated to reversing the state’s current trajectory. His campaign will likely focus on voter concerns over economic stability, affordability, and effective governance, seeking to unify support among California’s diverse electorate.