Huntington Beach, California, September 26, 2025
News Summary
California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has officially launched his campaign, criticizing the current governor, Gavin Newsom, for his business policies. Hilton aims to improve California’s business climate by proposing tax reforms and affordable housing initiatives. He claims that Democratic leadership has damaged the notion of the ‘California dream.’ Backed by prominent Trump allies, Hilton’s campaign is focused on practical solutions, though he faces challenges in a state where Republicans have struggled in statewide elections.
California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has officially announced his run for governor, criticizing current Governor Gavin Newsom’s business policies during a recent podcast interview. Hilton’s campaign aims to improve the state’s business climate, addressing concerns raised by the Public Policy Institute of California, which reported that an increasing number of companies are leaving the state.
During his campaign kickoff event at Huntington Beach pier, Hilton asserted that California’s leadership under Democrats has destroyed the “California dream” and has led to a decline in living standards. He characterized the state under Democratic control as an “ideological experiment” driving “far-left extremism.”
In calling out Newsom’s administration, Hilton labeled the governor’s social media presence and the state’s business climate as “pathetic.” He expressed determination stemming from personal experiences to enact change in California.
Hilton’s policy proposals include the removal of state income tax for residents earning up to $100,000, the construction of more affordable housing, and initiatives to enhance student performance in public schools. His critique extends to the Green New Deal and California’s upcoming ban on new gas-powered cars scheduled for 2035, both of which he ties to the challenges the state is facing.
Hilton claimed that California has the highest unemployment rate in the nation; however, some states may have higher unemployment rates according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, raising questions about the accuracy of his statements.
The upcoming election will feature a jungle primary system, allowing the top two candidates from any party, including Republicans, to proceed if Democratic votes are split. Despite a historical trend of Republican losses in California statewide elections since 2006, state Republicans see Hilton as a promising candidate.
Backed by endorsements from Trump allies such as Vivek Ramaswamy and Charlie Kirk, Hilton’s campaign focuses on practical solutions rather than ideological battles, emphasizing pressing issues facing everyday Californians. He founded Golden Together, a research organization that tackles challenges including business climate, homelessness, crime, affordable housing, and wildfires.
Hilton, the son of Hungarian immigrants who fled during a revolution, became a U.S. citizen in 2021 and has been critical of pandemic-related restrictions. He believes that the current political landscape could lead to a fractured Democratic vote, potentially enabling a Republican to secure a position in the general election.
As Hilton moves forward with his campaign, he must overcome the considerable challenges posed by the historical political landscape in California, where statewide Republican candidates have struggled to gain traction in recent years.
FAQ
What are Steve Hilton’s main campaign goals?
Hilton’s campaign goals include removing the state income tax for residents earning $100,000, building more affordable housing, and improving student performance in public schools.
What criticism did Steve Hilton make about Governor Gavin Newsom?
Hilton criticized Newsom’s business policies and described the state’s business climate as “pathetic.” He also claimed that California under Democrat leadership has destroyed the “California dream.”
Who are some notable supporters of Hilton’s campaign?
Hilton has received endorsements from notable Trump allies, including Vivek Ramaswamy and Charlie Kirk.
What challenges does Hilton face in the gubernatorial race?
Hilton faces the historical trend of statewide Republicans losing elections in California since 2006, necessitating a strong campaign to succeed.
Key Features of Steve Hilton’s Campaign
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Campaign Announcement | Hilton announced his candidacy for governor, criticizing Governor Newsom’s policies. |
| Main Policies | Removing state income tax for $100,000 earners, building affordable housing, improving schools. |
| Political Backing | Support from Trump allies such as Vivek Ramaswamy and Charlie Kirk. |
| Challenges Faced | Long-standing trend of Republican losses in statewide elections in California. |
| Election System | Upcoming jungle primary system allowing top two candidates to advance, potentially benefiting Republicans. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- SJVSun: Steve Hilton Vows to End the Nightmare of Doing Business in California
- Wikipedia: California
- The Free Press: California Faces Life
- Google Search: Steve Hilton California
- NY Times: Steve Hilton Running for California Governor
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Steve Hilton
- SF Standard: If Steve Hilton Wants to be California Governor…
- Google News: Steve Hilton California Governor
- KCRA: Republican Steve Hilton California Governor Candidate Interview
- Fox Business: Steve Hilton Video Interview
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
