News Summary

Steve Hilton, a former Fox News contributor, has officially entered the race for governor of California for the upcoming 2026 election. His campaign slogan is ‘Make California Golden Again,’ focusing on the needs of the working class. Hilton criticizes the state’s current governance, claiming 15 years of Democratic rule has led to its decline. He has received support from notable figures, including Vivek Ramaswamy. Key issues in his campaign include high taxes and rising poverty rates. As the political landscape shifts, Hilton’s proposals will be closely observed by voters ahead of the election.

California Governor Race: Steve Hilton Enters 2026 Contest

Steve Hilton, a former contributor to Fox News, has formally announced his candidacy for the governor of California in the upcoming 2026 election. His campaign slogan, “Make California Golden Again,” reflects his commitment to addressing the needs of working-class individuals across the state.

In announcing his run, Hilton emphasized his affection for California, claiming it to be “the best place in the world.” He criticized California’s current state of governance, attributing its challenges to 15 years of one-party rule under the Democratic Party, stating that the state is now “barely recognizable.” Hilton characterized the upcoming election as a “life-or-death moment” for California, expressing concerns about ongoing deterioration if Democratic leadership continues.

Hilton has garnered support from notable figures, including an endorsement from Vivek Ramaswamy, a candidate for governor in Ohio. Ramaswamy praised Hilton as a spokesperson for “American excellence.” This endorsement might help boost Hilton’s visibility heading into the competitive race.

Candidate Background

Born in the United Kingdom, Hilton graduated from New College at Oxford and held the position of senior advisor to former British Prime Minister David Cameron. He co-founded the tech startup Crowdpac.com in Silicon Valley and hosted the Fox News program “The Next Revolution” from 2017 until 2023. His diverse background and experiences may appeal to voters looking for innovative solutions to California’s pressing issues.

Political Landscape and Challenges

The gubernatorial race in 2026 is anticipated to be highly competitive. Democratic candidates such as Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra have already declared their candidacies. Other Republican contenders, including Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, are also in the mix. Recent polling shows that 48% of likely California voters remain open to supporting a Republican candidate for governor, suggesting a potential shift in political dynamics.

Key Issues in Hilton’s Campaign

Hilton’s campaign addresses several pressing concerns facing California today. Key issues include high taxes, rising poverty rates, and an affordability crisis that has driven many residents to leave the state. He highlighted that approximately one-third of Californians struggle to meet their basic needs, exacerbated by soaring housing costs. Hilton expressed that achieving the California Dream has become increasingly difficult under current leadership.

Framing his campaign as a necessary solution to California’s troubles, Hilton attributes the state’s challenges to failed policies enacted by Democratic leaders. He is advocating for a different approach, aiming to invigorate the state and restore its potential for residents.

Looking Ahead

The race for California governor is particularly significant as current Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited and will not seek re-election. With the political landscape evolving and numerous candidates stepping forward, the actions taken in the next few years could greatly impact the future of the state.

As Hilton embarks on his campaign, California voters will be closely watching to see how his proposals and messages resonate in the lead-up to the 2026 gubernatorial election.

Steve Hilton Announces Candidacy for California Governor in 2026