Steve Hilton Announces Candidacy for California Gubernatorial Race

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A bustling California street filled with engaged citizens discussing the gubernatorial race.

News Summary

Steve Hilton, former Fox News contributor, has declared his candidacy for California’s 2026 gubernatorial election with the slogan ‘Make California Golden Again.’ He emphasizes the need for a change in leadership, blaming current issues on a decade and a half of Democratic governance. Supported by Republican figures, Hilton aims to focus on key issues like high taxes and rising poverty rates that are resonating with voters. The election is shaping up to be competitive with notable Democratic candidates also joining the race.

California is set to witness a competitive gubernatorial race as former Fox News contributor Steve Hilton has officially announced his candidacy for the 2026 election. Hilton’s campaign slogan, “Make California Golden Again,” emphasizes his commitment to prioritizing the needs of working individuals in the state.

In unveiling his campaign, Hilton expressed a deep affection for California, declaring it “the best place in the world.” However, he also criticized its current state of affairs, claiming it has become “barely recognizable” due to what he describes as “15 years of one-party rule.” He categorized the upcoming election as a crucial turning point for California, deeming it a “life-or-death moment” and warning that continued Democratic leadership could lead the state to further decline.

Backing Hilton’s candidacy is Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who commended him as a model of “American excellence,” indicating a growing network of support for Hilton within the Republican Party. Aside from his media appearances, Hilton has a noteworthy background, having been born in the U.K. and graduated from New College at Oxford. He previously served as a senior advisor to former British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Hilton has drawn parallels between California’s current challenges and the circumstances in the United Kingdom during the 1970s, suggesting that the state has become the “sick man of America.” He is known for co-founding the crowdfunding platform Crowdpac.com and hosted the Fox News program “The Next Revolution” from 2017 until 2023. With his background in politics and media, Hilton aims to leverage his experience to address the pressing issues faced by Californians.

The landscape of the 2026 gubernatorial election is shaping up to be competitive, especially with notable Democratic candidates already entering the race, including Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra. Other Republican contenders like Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco are also expected to join the fray, indicating a lively election cycle ahead.

Recent polling data indicates that 48% of likely California voters are open to considering a Republican candidate for the governor’s office. This statistic highlights a potential shift in political dynamics in a historically Democratic stronghold, particularly as Hilton focuses on crucial issues that resonate with voters. Among these issues are California’s high taxes, rising poverty rates, and an escalating affordability crisis that has prompted many residents to leave the state.

Hilton pointed out that a staggering one-third of Californians find it challenging to meet their basic needs, exacerbated by soaring housing costs. He communicated his belief that the California Dream has become increasingly elusive under the current administration, framing his campaign as a solution to tackle the state’s challenges, which he attributes to ineffective policies from past Democratic leaders.

The upcoming gubernatorial election in 2026 is significant as it marks an open race following the term-limitation of current Governor Gavin Newsom, paving the way for a new leader. As candidates from both parties gear up for what promises to be a hard-fought contest, Hilton’s entry signals a decisive moment for Republicans in California, as they aim to reclaim influence in a state long dominated by Democratic governance.