Huntington Beach, Calif. — Steve Hilton, a well-known conservative commentator, officially declared his candidacy for the California governor’s race in 2026 as a Republican. This announcement sets him up to potentially replace the incumbent Democrat, Gavin Newsom, who is unable to seek re-election due to term limits. Hilton is taking aim at state Democrats, criticizing them for the state’s substantial tax rates, increasingly unaffordable housing market, and what he calls “the destruction of the California dream.”
Hilton, who gained recognition with his show on Fox News and previously served as an adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron, launched his campaign in Huntington Beach, near Los Angeles. In his speech, Hilton invited a possible challenge from former Vice President Kamala Harris, who once held positions as the U.S. senator and attorney general of California. Although Harris has not confirmed any intention to run, Hilton challenged her candidacy by characterizing the governor’s role as a touchstone of quality over identity, implying Harris might rely on her heritage rather than capability.
As a prominent political figure, Harris is the descendant of mixed Jamaican and Indian heritage, leading the opportunity for her to become the first Black woman governor if she enters and wins the race. Hilton accused January’s severe Southern California wildfires on supposed Democratic mismanagement, associating it with the party’s purported “extremism and incompetence” as well as blaming an entrenched network of activists and unions. The causes behind the Palisades and Eaton Fires, which both ignited under fierce Santa Ana winds in a highly drought-stricken state, remain are under review. The damage was extensive, with the Palisades Fire destroying over 6,800 structures and claiming at least 12 lives while the Eaton Fire ravaged more than 9,000 structures, causing 18 fatalities.
Without specifying further, Hilton linked Democratic missteps to the aftermath of the wildfires, where Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, found herself amid controversy after relieving the fire chief of his post due to disputes around preparedness. The firefighting effort was hampered by Los Angeles’ overwhelmed water system, leading to underperforming hydrants during the city’s record-breaking blaze. The community voiced concern over Mayor Bass’s absence abroad when the fires erupted.
Hilton’s campaign theme, “Golden Again: Great Jobs, Great Homes, Great Kids,” outlines his dedication to practical solutions by opposing dogma and promoting positive populism. His mission is centered on assisting working families, with his approach promising optimism and common-sense policies. His candidacy enters a political landscape already populated by prominent Democrats, such as Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, and ex-U.S. Representative Katie Porter. Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, aligned with former President Donald Trump, also joins the race.
The drama surrounding the gubernatorial race could intensify significantly if Kamala Harris decides to run. California’s open primary system allows candidates from all parties to appear on a single ballot, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the November general election. Republicans have not secured a statewide victory in the dominantly Democratic state in nearly 20 years, with Arnold Schwarzenegger being the last Republican governor elected back in 2006.