Former Fox News contributor Steve Hilton has officially launched his campaign to become California’s next governor, hoping to shake up the state’s deep-blue political scene. With a promise to “Make California Golden Again,” Hilton enters the 2026 race focused on reversing years of Democratic control.
Key Facts: GOP gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton enters California race
- Steve Hilton, former Fox News host and political advisor, has announced his 2026 run for California governor.
- Hilton is campaigning on a pro-worker, anti-one-party rule platform aimed at reversing California’s decline.
- He received a high-profile endorsement from Vivek Ramaswamy, who praised Hilton’s leadership and experience.
- California faces major issues including rising crime, homelessness, high taxes, and outmigration.
- Hilton joins a growing list of GOP hopefuls in a race that could feature Kamala Harris on the Democratic side.
The Rest of the Story: Steve Hilton Announces Run for Governor
Steve Hilton, a longtime conservative media figure and former adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron, has declared his candidacy for the 2026 California gubernatorial race.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Hilton said he’s entering the race to bring relief to working Californians and reverse what he calls the decay caused by 15 years of one-party Democratic rule.
Hilton, who moved to California in 2012 and founded a tech startup, built a media presence as host of “The Next Revolution” on Fox News.
His campaign slogan, “Make California Golden Again,” echoes his belief that the state is in decline.
He draws comparisons to Britain in the 1970s, calling California the “sick man of America.”
It’s time to make California Golden Again.
We need some balance here after 15 years of Democrat one-party rule.
Positive, practical policies that actually help people, not ideological crusades.
It's why I am running for governor of California ☀️ pic.twitter.com/Vfu1T18zGR
— steve hilton (@SteveHiltonx) April 21, 2025
His early support includes an endorsement from Vivek Ramaswamy, who called Hilton “a great entrepreneur & communicator” and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the state.
Steve Hilton represents American excellence. He’s a great entrepreneur & communicator, and he’ll be a dominant Governor of California. I’ve known him for years & enjoyed welcoming him to Ohio for our launch in Feb. He has my full endorsement. Victors, not victims, from
OH to CA. https://t.co/9rgKZ7sHc7— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) April 21, 2025
Commentary: Why Steve Hilton’s run could reshape California politics
California has become a cautionary tale of what happens when far-left policies go unchecked.
For years, Democrats have dominated state politics, leading to skyrocketing taxes, out-of-control spending, and the hollowing out of the middle class.
Hilton’s entry into the race brings a fresh, results-driven approach rooted in common sense and experience.
Homelessness is rampant.
Cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles struggle with tents lining sidewalks and rising drug use.
Businesses, both large and small, are fleeing due to burdensome regulations and high costs.
Hilton, with his tech and media background, could appeal to working professionals who are tired of seeing their state crumble.
Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom seems more interested in hosting a podcast and floating a national political career than fixing his own backyard.
His administration’s failures on housing, crime, and cost of living have pushed hundreds of thousands of residents out of the state.
Despite the Democratic supermajority, nearly half of likely voters now say they’d consider backing a Republican.
That figure suggests Californians may be ready to break from the status quo.
Even talk of Kamala Harris entering the race isn’t generating enthusiasm—many see her as another figure of a failed system.
Hilton is unlikely to win over progressives, but he doesn’t need to.
If he can unite independents, business owners, and the millions of families priced out of California’s future, he could build a coalition strong enough to mount a real challenge.
The timing is right.
Newsom’s term limit opens the door, and there’s no clear Democratic favorite.
With two years to campaign and a growing appetite for change, Hilton may be California’s best shot at turning the tide.
The Bottom Line: Why Steve Hilton’s campaign matters in 2026
Steve Hilton’s run for governor comes at a pivotal time for California.
With economic challenges, population loss, and public frustration growing, voters may be more open than ever to a different kind of leadership.
While California remains a tough state for Republicans, Hilton’s media savvy, real-world experience, and outsider appeal could make this a race to watch.
His campaign is a bet that California is ready to reclaim its promise.
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