News Summary
Republican Steve Hilton has announced his candidacy for California’s governorship in the 2026 election. He aims to advocate for ‘working people’ and address issues stemming from a decade and a half of Democratic leadership. With his slogan ‘Make California Golden Again,’ Hilton draws attention to urgent challenges like high taxes, housing costs, and rising poverty rates, positioning himself as a transformative leader in this competitive race.
California – Republican Steve Hilton has officially launched his campaign for the governorship of California in the 2026 election, positioning himself as a transformative leader advocating for “working people” against what he describes as the detrimental impact of 15 years of Democratic rule in the state. Hilton’s campaign slogan, “Make California Golden Again,” encapsulates his vision for revitalizing the state he claims has become “barely recognizable” under current governance.
Hilton emphasized the significance of the upcoming election, labeling it a “life-or-death moment” for California, as he expressed grave concerns over the direction the state is headed. He has drawn parallels between California’s current situation to the economic difficulties seen in the UK during the 1970s, referring to California as the “sick man of America.” His remarks highlight a sense of urgency to counter what he sees as declining standards of living, increasingly high poverty rates, and an affordability crisis prompting many residents to seek greener pastures elsewhere.
His entry into the race is marked by support from other prominent politicians, including an endorsement from Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who described Hilton as a representative of “American excellence.” The landscape for the gubernatorial race appears competitive, with notable Democratic contenders such as Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra already vying for the position. Additionally, Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco is also expected to enter the fray.
Recent polling reflects a potentially favorable environment for Republican candidates, as 48% of likely California voters express a willingness to consider a Republican for governor. Hilton’s campaign aims to address pressing issues, such as high taxes, soaring housing costs, and the alarming statistic that one third of California’s population struggles to meet their basic needs. He contends these challenges stem from failed policies instituted by Democratic leaders and highlights a growing discontent with the state’s cost of living, making the traditional “California Dream” more elusive for many.
Steve Hilton has a background that includes a British upbringing and an academic credential from New College at Oxford. His professional experience features a notable tenure as a senior advisor to former British Prime Minister David Cameron, co-founding the Silicon Valley tech startup Crowdpac.com, and serving as a contributor on Fox News from 2017 to 2023, where he hosted “The Next Revolution.”
As the political dynamic evolves in California with Governor Gavin Newsom being term-limited and unable to seek re-election, Hilton’s candidacy appears to be an attempt to leverage growing dissatisfaction with Democratic leadership. He underscores the need for a compelling alternative that champions the welfare of the average Californian while addressing the challenges that have made living in the state increasingly difficult.
The gubernatorial election is set to engage a wider array of voters, with Hilton’s message of change resonating amid broader discussions about California’s future direction. Observers are keenly awaiting how the race shapes up in the lead-up to the election, as candidates on both sides of the aisle prepare to address the pressing concerns of their constituents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CBS News: California Governor Candidates
- LA Times: California Governor Republicans
- NBC Bay Area: Xavier Becerra Run for Governor
- Axios: Becerra Joins California Governor Race
- The Guardian: Steve Hilton Running for Governor
