Steve Hilton Announces Candidacy for California Governor in 2026

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Supporters gather in California to rally for the upcoming gubernatorial election, seeking a new political direction.

News Summary

Former Fox News host Steve Hilton has declared his intention to run for the California governorship in the 2026 election. With current Governor Gavin Newsom unable to run for a third term due to term limits, Hilton aims to connect with voters seeking change, highlighting issues like homelessness and the high cost of living. His proposals include eliminating state income taxes for lower earners and increasing accountability in education. As a Republican candidate, he positions himself against the backdrop of a state dominated by Democratic leadership.

Steve Hilton Sets His Sights on California Governorship in 2026 Election

Huntington Beach, California – In a bold move that has caught everyone’s attention, former Fox News host Steve Hilton has announced his candidacy for the California governorship in the upcoming 2026 election. As the current Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom is unable to run for a third term due to term limits, Hilton is making it clear that he believes it’s time for a change in leadership.

A Campaign Focused on Change

Hilton’s campaign kicked off with a rally in the sun-soaked city of Huntington Beach. There, he made his message crystal clear: he believes California is failing and blames the longtime Democratic supermajority for its struggles. Citing the challenges facing the state, Hilton is positioning himself as a candidate for those looking for a fresh start.

At 55 years old, Hilton enters this political race as a Republican contender among many, including Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. In the crowd of hopefuls, he aims to capture the attention of disenchanted voters tired of what he describes as more than 15 years of a single-party governance.

California’s Current State

In an exclusive interview, Hilton shared his views on the current state of California, comparing it to the troubled UK of the 1960s and ‘70s, which was often referred to as “the sick man of Europe.” He pulls no punches when addressing the prevalent issues in California, laying out comprehensive reforms aimed at restoring the state to its former glory.

Proposals for a Brighter Future

One of the flagship proposals in Hilton’s campaign is the elimination of state income taxes for those earning under $100,000. He believes this move would provide much-needed financial relief for many struggling Californians. Additionally, Hilton aims to tackle the ever-growing housing crisis by advocating for reduced regulations, particularly pushing for reforms to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to streamline housing development.

In the realm of education, he emphasizes the need for increased transparency and accountability in teacher performance, with the goal of clearly identifying both the strong and weak educators in the classroom. Hilton insists that improving education is crucial to paving the way forward for California’s youth.

Political Landscape and Voter Preferences

As it stands, registered Democrats make up 45.27% of voters in California, with Republicans at 25.22% and 22.34% identifying as having no party preference. Hilton remains optimistic, confident that the people of California are ready for meaningful change and are looking for practical solutions to the state’s myriad challenges.

Launching His Journey

The kickoff of his campaign in Huntington Beach highlighted the recent success of the city’s conservative-led City Council, showcasing what he believes to be a growing appetite for conservative leadership among Californians.

Hilton, who became a U.S. citizen in 2021 after relocating to California in 2012, has a unique outlook on governance and political reform. He’s not just a political figure; he’s also a family man, living with his wife Rachel Whetstone and their two children. Additionally, Hilton has a passion for farming chickens, adding a personal touch to his public persona.

The Road Ahead

As the state’s next gubernatorial election approaches, Hilton’s candidacy enters a backdrop of heated discussions around crime, homelessness, and the rising cost of living—all major issues for California voters. Amid this critical juncture, he aims to revive the notion of California as the symbol of the “American dream,” a title that he feels has been undermined by current leadership.

As Hilton gears up for the battle ahead, the political landscape in California is set for an exciting and contentious few years. With numerous hopefuls vying for the governorship, the 2026 election promises to be one to watch!