Steve Hilton Enters California Governor Race for 2026

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News Summary

Steve Hilton has announced his candidacy for governor of California, becoming the second major Republican candidate in the race for the 2026 election. With a background in media and politics, Hilton aims to challenge the Democratic leadership and address key issues affecting the state, including high taxes and housing costs. His campaign focuses on practical solutions for families and draws attention to the potential challenge from vice president Kamala Harris. As California’s political landscape remains heavily Democratic, Hilton’s candidacy introduces new dynamics in the upcoming election.

California – Steve Hilton has announced his candidacy for governor of California, making him the second major Republican candidate in the race for the 2026 election. His announcement took place on April 21, 2025, as he seeks to become the first Republican governor of California since Arnold Schwarzenegger, who last held office in 2006.

Hilton, a former Fox News host known for his program “The Next Revolution,” previously served as an adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron. His foray into California politics comes on the heels of his recent book, which critiques the state’s Democratic leadership and outlines various policy recommendations. This marks a significant moment for Hilton, who has been living in California since 2012 and identifies as a strong supporter of Donald Trump and an admirer of Margaret Thatcher.

In a campaign launch video, Hilton laid out his vision for the state, targeting current Democratic leadership and highlighting issues such as high state taxes, escalating home prices, and what he describes as the deterioration of the “California dream.” He emphasized a pivot from ideological arguments towards “positive, practical solutions” for working families, encapsulated in his campaign theme: “Golden Again: Great Jobs, Great Homes, Great Kids.”

Hilton’s entry into the race adds momentum to the Republican opposition in California, which has not won a statewide race for nearly two decades. He follows Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who was the first major Republican candidate to declare. The political landscape appears complicated, as Democrats continue to dominate California’s electoral environment.

The California electorate employs a top-two primary system, where the two candidates with the most votes, regardless of party affiliation, will proceed to the general election. This could impact Hilton’s campaign strategy and voter outreach as he aims to solidify conservative support within the state.

Hilton’s campaign launch also referenced former Vice President Kamala Harris, who is rumored to be considering a run for the governorship. His comments implied that the governor’s position should not simply serve as a “consolation prize” for Harris, highlighting issues of capability over identity in leadership roles. If Harris were to run and win, she would make history as the first Black woman elected governor in the United States.

In addition to his campaign theme and criticism of Democratic leadership, Hilton is expected to host a public event in Huntington Beach shortly, further solidifying his presence in the race and engaging potential voters.

As Hilton embarks on this political journey, it will serve as a test of the conservative movement’s viability in a state that leans heavily Democratic. Recent electoral wins down the ballot may indicate a shift within the Republican base, placing additional pressure on Hilton and other candidates to galvanize support.

A definitive shift in California’s political landscape has been slow-moving, as state Democrats continue to hold substantial influence. With Hilton’s entry into the gubernatorial race, the political dialogue is expected to intensify, providing voters with distinct choices in the upcoming election cycle.

As the race progresses, all eyes will be on how Hilton’s campaign strategy evolves and whether it resonates with California voters amidst ongoing discussions about the state’s direction and leadership efficacy.