Crowd at the beach rally supporting Steve Hilton's gubernatorial campaign.
Former Fox News host Steve Hilton has officially kicked off his candidacy for governor of California in the 2026 election. With Governor Gavin Newsom unable to run again, Hilton’s campaign focuses on revitalizing California’s political landscape amidst critiques of a failing state. His proposals include eliminating state income taxes for low earners and enhancing educational accountability, all while facing a challenging field of both Republican and Democrat candidates. As California prepares for the upcoming election, key issues such as crime and housing are at the forefront.
In a lively atmosphere at Huntington Beach, excitement is in the air as former Fox News host Steve Hilton has officially announced his candidacy for governor of California in the 2026 election. With current Governor Gavin Newsom unable to seek a third term due to term limits, the race is shaping up to be an intriguing one.
Hilton, a 55-year-old Republican, made waves with his campaign slogan, declaring that “California is failing, and the Democratic supermajority in the state is to blame.” He emphasized the urgent need for a shift in California’s political landscape after nearly 15 years of Democratic rule. His vision? A revitalized California that returns to the ideals of the “American dream.”
In a recent interview, Hilton didn’t hold back on his view of California’s current state. He painted a picture of the Golden State as being in dire straits, comparing it to the U.K. back in the ’60s and ’70s, which was dubbed the “sick man of Europe.” This has clearly spurred his motivation to spearhead change, and he’s not one to shy away from challenging the status quo.
Bringing his ideas to the forefront, Hilton authored the book “Califailure: Reversing the Ruin of America’s Worst-Run State.” He calls himself a “positive populist,” dedicated to offering solutions rather than simply bemoaning the issues at hand.
One prominent proposal outlined in his campaign includes the elimination of state income taxes for individuals earning under $100,000. This, he believes, would help ease the financial burden faced by many Californians. Coupled with this idea are his plans to simplify the housing development process by pushing for reforms to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which he argues is currently a barrier to necessary housing growth.
Education is also on Hilton’s radar, where he pushes for increased transparency and accountability in teacher performance. His goal is to differentiate between effective and less effective educators, which could bring a new level of integrity to California’s schools.
As of now, registered Democrats make up over 45% of voters in California, while Republicans account for a little over 25%. Despite these statistics, Hilton remains optimistic that voters are seeking a fresh approach to California’s challenges. His campaign launch in Huntington Beach is even timed with the recent successes of the city’s conservative-led City Council.
Hilton isn’t entering the race alone. He joins a growing roster of Republican contenders, including Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, while also facing off against notable Democrats such as state senators. It promises to be a competitive race full of diverse viewpoints on how to tackle the issues plaguing the state today.
Having moved to California in 2012 from the U.K., Hilton became a U.S. citizen in 2021. He shares his life as a family man with his wife Rachel Whetstone and their two children. Interestingly enough, Hilton also fancies himself as an aspiring chicken farmer, adding a charming personal twist to his public persona.
The current Democratic administration has faced criticism for high taxation and rising costs that have led many residents to consider leaving California for more affordable options. Hilton’s campaign seeks to counteract these challenges, aspiring to restore California’s image as a beacon of opportunity.
As California gears up for the gubernatorial election, key topics such as crime, homelessness, and the steep cost of living remain hot-button issues for candidates and voters alike. With Hilton entering the fray, it’s clear that California is in for an engaging political season as candidates compete for the chance to steer the state toward a hopeful, prosperous future.
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