Steve Hilton Joins California Gubernatorial Race for 2026 with Ambitious Vision

EXCLUSIVE: The California political landscape is witnessing a significant development as Republican Steve Hilton announces his candidacy for the 2026 gubernatorial race, aiming to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom.

As a former Fox News contributor and author of the book “Califailure,” Hilton aims to reinvigorate the state with his campaign slogan: “Make California Golden Again.” He emphasizes his commitment to advocating for the working people of California.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Hilton stated, “A big decision that I’ve made, which I can now share with you, is that I am, in fact, going to be running for governor of California in 2026. I love this state. It’s the best place in the world as far as I’m concerned.” His passion for California is evident, but he also expresses deep concern over the current political climate.

Hilton pointed out the adverse effects of what he describes as 15 years of one-party rule, stating, “This state is barely recognizable. The 2026 election is a life-or-death moment because if we continue with this one-party rule by the Democrats, things are just going to deteriorate very rapidly.” His remarks highlight the urgency he feels regarding the state’s direction.

Originally from the U.K., Hilton graduated from New College, Oxford. He previously served as a senior advisor to former British Prime Minister David Cameron, adding to his political credentials.

Describing the current state of California, Hilton remarked, “[California] reminds me of Britain in the 1970s. The UK was called the ‘sick man of Europe,’ and today there’s no other way to look at California than as the ‘sick man of America.’” This metaphor underscores his belief that California is in a critical condition necessitating immediate action.

Since moving to California in 2012, Hilton has embraced the state’s entrepreneurial spirit, co-founding Crowdpac.com, a Silicon Valley startup that aims to promote political engagement through crowdfunding.

Hilton’s contributions to conservative media have been significant, leading to his own show, “The Next Revolution,” on Fox News Channel. The program aired weekly from 2017 to 2023, further establishing his presence in American media.

With Newsom being term-limited, a competitive field is emerging for his seat in Sacramento. Prominent Democrats lining up for the position include Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former Rep. Katie Porter. Meanwhile, on the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco is actively campaigning for the governorship.

Despite Democrats holding a supermajority in the California legislature, recent polling indicates that nearly half of likely voters would consider supporting a Republican candidate for governor. This statistic, shared by the Sacramento Bee, reflects a potential shift in voter sentiment.

Hilton expressed his frustration with the current leadership, stating, “We have a combination of idiots and ideologues who’ve been running this state into the ground, ruining what I consider to be the greatest state and the greatest nation on earth, and it’s time for change.” His rhetoric aims to resonate with voters who are dissatisfied with the status quo.

The former Vice President Kamala Harris is also rumored to be contemplating a run for the gubernatorial seat. Should she decide to enter the race, she would undoubtedly be a strong contender for the Democratic nomination.

The Golden State is grappling with numerous challenges, including devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County, rising crime rates, homelessness, and fiscal difficulties related to essential healthcare programs like Medi-Cal. The exodus of residents from California has accelerated since the pandemic, with data from the U.S. Census Bureau revealing that hundreds of thousands are leaving annually.

Cost of living concerns plague many Californians, particularly regarding taxation and disproportionately high gas prices. This financial strain contributes to the growing discontent among residents.

Hilton pointed out, “We have the highest taxes in the country, but also the highest rate of poverty. One-third of Californians cannot meet their basic needs. We have the highest housing costs. It’s the number one reason people are leaving the state.” These stark assertions reflect his commitment to addressing these pressing issues.

He also lamented the decline of California’s reputation as the land of opportunity, once synonymous with the American dream. “California represented the best of America. For many people, when they thought of the American dream, they thought of California and the California Dream,” he stated poignantly.

Charting a New Course for California

As the campaign unfolds, Hilton’s dynamic approach and bold endorsements of change may attract those yearning for a different direction in California’s governance. With a formidable lineup of candidates across the political spectrum, the 2026 California gubernatorial race promises to be highly competitive and impactful.

Californians are increasingly concerned about their future. The stakes are high, and Hilton’s candidacy could serve as a catalyst for meaningful debate regarding policies that affect millions. Watching how this race develops will be crucial for understanding California’s trajectory in the years ahead.