Families enjoying life in California, representing the hope for effective governance.
Steve Hilton, former Fox News host and political adviser, has announced his run for governor of California in the 2026 election. His campaign aims to break a long-standing Republican drought in the state by promoting practical solutions to issues like high taxes and housing costs. Hilton’s entry follows that of Sheriff Chad Bianco and could be complicated by the potential candidacy of Kamala Harris. With California’s challenging political landscape, Hilton seeks to reposition the Republican Party in a state dominated by Democratic leadership.
California – Steve Hilton announced his candidacy for governor on April 21, 2025, positioning himself as the second major Republican candidate in the race for the 2026 election. Hilton aims to break a long streak for the Republican Party by becoming the first GOP governor of California since Arnold Schwarzenegger’s tenure, which ended in 2006.
With a background that includes a role as a Fox News host for “The Next Revolution” and experience as an adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron, Hilton brings significant political experience to his campaign. His recent book criticizes California’s latest Democratic leadership, outlining his policy suggestions for improving the state’s future.
Hilton’s entry into the governor’s race follows Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who also announced his candidacy. In a video launching his campaign, Hilton invoked former Vice President Kamala Harris, who is contemplating a run for governor, expressing his desire to put an end to what he terms “years of Democrat failure.”
The theme of Hilton’s campaign is “Golden Again: Great Jobs, Great Homes, Great Kids.” He plans to shift the political dialogue away from ideology and focus instead on “positive, practical solutions” for the working families of California. His criticisms target the high taxes and soaring home prices, which he argues contribute to the perceived erosion of the “California dream.” Hilton also believes that the position of governor should not serve simply as a position of convenience, particularly referring to vice-presidential candidates like Harris who might seek the governorship based on identity rather than qualifications.
California employs a top-two primary system, which allows the top two candidates from any party to advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation. This system presents unique challenges and opportunities for candidates in California’s heavily Democratic political climate. Republicans have not achieved victory in a statewide race for nearly two decades, making the 2026 election particularly crucial for the party’s state strategy.
Since his move to California in 2012, Hilton has become a prominent supporter of Donald Trump and an admirer of UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. His activism aligns with a conservative movement seeking to reinvigorate Republican presence in California, which has been largely dominated by Democratic leadership. His public event in Huntington Beach is expected to further emphasize his plans and the principles guiding his campaign.
Kamala Harris, if she decides to run and wins, could make history as the first Black woman elected governor in the United States. Her potential candidacy adds another layer of complexity to the race, illustrating the increasing diversity and the dynamics of candidate identity in contemporary American politics. Hilton’s campaign signals a critical test of the state’s support for conservative policies and values amidst evolving electoral demographics.
With the 2026 election approaching, both Hilton and Bianco will be challenging the status quo of California politics, striving to capture the attention of an electorate that has largely turned away from Republican candidates in recent years. As the race unfolds, the focus will be on each candidate’s ability to resonate with Californians seeking effective governance that addresses their immediate concerns.
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