Steve Hilton Launches Gubernatorial Campaign in California

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News Summary

Steve Hilton, former Fox News contributor, has announced his candidacy for California governor in the 2026 election. His campaign, focused on revitalizing the state, emphasizes the needs of working-class residents and aims to counter what he deems ineffective Democratic leadership. With pressing issues like high taxes and rising poverty rates, Hilton is positioning himself as a viable alternative in a competitive race that includes prominent Democratic candidates. Recently endorsed by Vivek Ramaswamy, Hilton is ready to engage in the pivotal election for California’s future.

California – Steve Hilton, a former Fox News contributor, has officially declared his candidacy for governor in the upcoming 2026 election. His campaign focuses on the promise to “Make California Golden Again,” with an emphasis on addressing the needs of working-class residents in the state. Hilton aims to bring about significant change after what he describes as 15 years of ineffective Democratic leadership.

Hilton characterized this election as a crucial moment for California, asserting that the state’s rapid decline under the Democratic Party’s governance is leading it towards a “barely recognizable” future. He expressed deep concern for the direction of the state, framing the election as a “life-or-death moment” for its citizens. The candidate highlighted various pressing issues, including high taxes, rising poverty rates, and an escalating affordability crisis that has driven many residents to leave the state in search of better living conditions.

In the light of his announcement, Hilton garnered an endorsement from fellow Republican and Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who praised Hilton as a figure embodying “American excellence.” This endorsement adds momentum to Hilton’s campaign as he seeks to position himself as a viable alternative to the Democratic field.

Born in the United Kingdom and an alumnus of New College at Oxford, Hilton has a rich background in politics and media. He served as a senior advisor to former British Prime Minister David Cameron and co-founded the tech startup Crowdpac.com in Silicon Valley. His public persona was solidified as the host of “The Next Revolution” on Fox News from 2017 until 2023. In his campaign, Hilton has drawn parallels between the current state of California and the United Kingdom in the 1970s, describing California as the “sick man of America.”

As Hilton enters the gubernatorial race, he joins a competitive landscape that includes prominent Democratic candidates such as Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, who are also seeking to succeed current Governor Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited and cannot run for re-election. In addition, he faces competition from other Republicans, including Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.

Recent polling data indicates that 48% of likely voters in California are open to considering a Republican candidate for governor, suggesting a potentially favorable environment for Hilton’s campaign. He plans to leverage this sentiment as he emphasizes the need for change in policies that have failed to effectively address the challenges facing Californians.

Stress on the California Dream has become a central theme in Hilton’s rhetoric. He noted that one-third of Californians are currently unable to meet their basic needs amid soaring housing costs, underscoring a growing concern for the average citizen’s ability to thrive in the state. Under his leadership, Hilton aims to reverse the trend of deteriorating living conditions and restore hope for a better future in California.

The 2026 gubernatorial race will undoubtedly be pivotal, with multiple candidates vying for the opportunity to lead the state into a new era. As Hilton moves forward with his campaign, he continues to outline specific solutions to combat high taxes, alleviate poverty, and reverse the trend of residents leaving California. With a focus on addressing the needs of working Californians, Hilton is positioned to engage in a substantial debate about the future direction of the state and the policies that will shape its recovery.