California, September 26, 2025
News Summary
California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has officially announced his run for office, aiming to challenge Governor Gavin Newsom’s business policies. Hilton criticized Newsom’s handling of the state’s economy and highlighted reforms such as tax removal for lower-income residents and affordable housing initiatives. His campaign has gained support from Trump-associated figures and may influence the dynamics of the upcoming primary election. With a focus on practical solutions, Hilton aims to address California’s pressing challenges including business climate and living standards.
California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton announced his run for office, aiming to reverse the business policies implemented by Governor Gavin Newsom. In a recent podcast interview, Hilton criticized Newsom’s handling of California’s business climate, referencing a report from the Public Policy Institute of California that revealed an increasing number of companies are leaving the state.
Hilton labeled both Newsom’s social media presence and the overall business climate in California as “pathetic.” At his first major campaign event in Huntington Beach, he claimed the leadership of California Democrats has effectively destroyed the “California dream,” attributing declining living standards to their governance. He described California as an “ideological experiment,” claiming it has bred “far-left extremism” that detracts from the state’s potential.
On Monday, Hilton officially announced his candidacy, motivated by personal experiences and a strong desire for change in California. He sharply criticized initiatives like the Green New Deal and the impending ban on new gas-powered cars set for 2035. Hilton suggests these policies are contributing to the many challenges facing the state.
As part of his campaign agenda, Hilton proposed several reforms, including removing the state income tax for residents making under $100,000, building more affordable housing, and enhancing student performance in public schools. However, he faced scrutiny over claims regarding California’s unemployment rate, where he stated it was the highest in the nation. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated some states experienced higher unemployment rates.
Hilton’s campaign has garnered endorsements from notable figures linked to former President Donald Trump, including Vivek Ramaswamy and Charlie Kirk. The upcoming gubernatorial election will employ a jungle primary system, allowing the top two candidates, which could feasibly include Republicans if Democrats split their votes.
Despite the historical trend of statewide Republicans losing elections since 2006, many within the party see Hilton as a promising candidate. As the son of immigrants from Hungary who fled a revolution, Hilton has forged a career in politics and business consulting before relocating to California. He became a U.S. citizen in 2021 and has been vocal against pandemic-related shutdown measures.
Hilton founded Golden Together, a research organization dedicated to addressing challenges in California such as the business climate, homelessness, crime, affordable housing, and wildfires. He expressed concern that current political trends in California could fragment the Democratic vote, creating an opportunity for Republican candidates to advance into the general elections.
Emphasizing practical problem-solving, Hilton believes the policies currently in place are not only detrimental to California but might also be negatively impacting the rest of the country.
Key Features of Steve Hilton’s Campaign
- Focus on reversing Gavin Newsom’s business policies
- Criticism of the state’s current leadership and decline of living standards
- Campaign proposals including tax removal, affordable housing initiatives, and public school improvements
- Endorsements from Trump allies
- Potential for a fractured Democratic vote in upcoming elections
FAQ
Who is Steve Hilton?
Steve Hilton is a California gubernatorial candidate who has announced his run for office with plans to reverse the business policies of Governor Gavin Newsom.
What are Hilton’s main campaign proposals?
Hilton has proposed removing the state income tax for residents earning under $100,000, building more affordable housing, and improving student performance in public schools.
What criticisms has Hilton made regarding California’s current leadership?
Hilton has criticized Governor Gavin Newsom’s leadership, claiming it has destroyed the “California dream” and has led to declining living standards.
What endorsement has Hilton received?
Hilton has received endorsements from Trump allies, including Vivek Ramaswamy and Charlie Kirk.
How does the primary election work?
The upcoming gubernatorial election will feature a jungle primary system in which the top two candidates could include Republicans if Democrats split their votes.
What is Golden Together?
Golden Together is a research group founded by Hilton that focuses on addressing California’s challenges, including the business climate, homelessness, crime, affordable housing, and wildfires.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- SJVSun: Hilton Vows to End the Nightmare of Doing Business in California
- New York Times: Steve Hilton Running for California Governor
- Los Angeles Times: Conservative Commentator Steve Hilton for Governor
- Google Search: California Governor Election 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Steve Hilton
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, 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 major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
