The political landscape of California just got a major jolt as Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and conservative commentator, officially announced his candidacy for governor in the 2026 race. On April 21, 2025, Hilton took to social media, declaring his mission to “Make California Golden Again,” a rallying cry aimed at ending what he calls 15 years of Democratic one-party rule. With a crowded field of over 30 candidates, including heavyweights like Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and former Vice President Kamala Harris mulling a run, Hilton’s entry as a prominent Republican is stirring excitement and skepticism in equal measure. His campaign launch, marked by a planned event in Huntington Beach, signals a fierce battle ahead in a state that hasn’t elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006. Let’s dive into why Hilton’s run is generating buzz and what it means for California’s future.
Steve Hilton’s Vision: A Golden Comeback
Hilton’s campaign is built on a promise to restore the “California Dream” with practical, people-focused policies. His slogan, “Golden Again: Great Jobs, Great Homes, Great Kids,” reflects his priorities: tackling the housing crisis, boosting economic opportunities, and improving education. In a recent interview with NPR, Hilton argued that California has “gone off track” under Democratic dominance, pointing to issues like homelessness and soaring living costs. His book, Califailure: Reversing the Ruin of America’s Worst-Run State, lays out his critique, blaming progressive policies for the state’s struggles. Hilton’s not new to policy battles—he championed a 2023 ballot measure to streamline housing development, though it didn’t succeed. Now, he’s betting his outsider status and media savvy can resonate with voters frustrated by the status quo.
What sets Hilton apart is his unapologetic optimism. Unlike some candidates who lean on divisive rhetoric, he’s pitching a positive vision. “California means to America what America means to the world,” he posted on X, framing the state as a beacon of opportunity. His background as a former advisor to UK Prime Minister David Cameron and founder of Golden Together, a policy group tackling homelessness, gives him a unique blend of global perspective and local focus. But can a conservative commentator break through in a deep-blue state? That’s the million-dollar question.
The Crowded Race: Can Steve Hilton Stand Out?
The 2026 governor’s race is shaping up to be a chaotic showdown. With Governor Gavin Newsom term-limited, the field is wide open. Here’s a quick look at the key players:
| Candidate | Party | Notable Background |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Hilton | Republican | Former Fox News host, author of Califailure |
| Eleni Kounalakis | Democrat | Lieutenant Governor, raised $5.8M |
| Antonio Villaraigosa | Democrat | Former Los Angeles Mayor |
| Katie Porter | Democrat | Former Congresswoman, may exit if Harris runs |
| Chad Bianco | Republican | Riverside County Sheriff, Trump supporter |
Hilton faces stiff competition, especially if Kamala Harris enters the race. Polls show Harris as a frontrunner among Democrats, with 74% of registered Democratic voters excited about her potential candidacy. Yet, Hilton’s not fazed. “Bring it on,” he said about facing Harris, signaling confidence in his ability to spar with high-profile opponents. His campaign is banking on a recent shift in voter sentiment—48% of likely California voters would consider backing a Republican, per a Sacramento Bee poll. This flicker of opportunity, coupled with endorsements like one from Vivek Ramaswamy, who’s running for Ohio governor, could give Hilton a fighting chance.
Challenges and Opportunities
Running as a Republican in California is no easy feat. Democrats hold a supermajority in the legislature, and the state’s electorate leans heavily left. Hilton’s Fox News tenure and Trump support in 2016 might alienate moderate voters, but he’s framing himself as a pragmatic problem-solver, not an ideologue. His focus on housing, a universal pain point, could win over skeptics. Last year, he pitched reforms to the California Environmental Quality Act to ease construction, a bold move that didn’t fully land but showed his willingness to tackle tough issues.
On the flip side, Hilton’s lack of elected office experience could be a liability. Critics, like Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, another Republican candidate, argue that Hilton lacks the political muscle to win. Bianco, a Trump ally, claims he’s the only GOP contender with a real shot. Hilton, however, sees his outsider status as an asset. “It’s now or never for California,” he told The Free Press, warning that continued Democratic rule could lead to rapid decline. His media chops—honed hosting The Next Revolution—give him an edge in delivering his message directly to voters.
Why This Matters Now
Hilton’s candidacy isn’t just about 2026; it’s a test of whether California’s political tide is shifting. The state saw a slight rightward tilt in the 2024 presidential election, and voters are frustrated with high costs and quality-of-life issues. Hilton’s campaign could tap into this discontent, especially if he hammers home his “working people” focus. His upcoming book tour and live events, like the one in Huntington Beach, are designed to build momentum early. Posts on X show supporters rallying behind him, with one calling him “the talent California needs to avoid destruction.”
As the race heats up, all eyes are on whether Hilton can translate his commentator charisma into votes. Will he be the Republican to break the Democratic stranglehold, or is California too blue for his golden vision? One thing’s certain: Steve Hilton is shaking up the conversation, and his run is one to watch. Stay tuned—this race is just getting started, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Golden State.