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Steve Hilton Enters 2026 California Governor Race
Conservative political commentator Steve Hilton is set to announce his candidacy for the California governorship in the 2026 election. Running as a Republican, Hilton aims to succeed Democrat Gavin Newsom, who is ineligible to pursue a third consecutive term.
The announcement will take place on Tuesday in Huntington Beach, a city known for its conservative leanings amidst California’s predominantly liberal landscape.
Hilton is recognized for his six-year tenure as a host on Fox News and his previous role as an adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron. His campaign kick-off event is poised to resonate with conservative values.
The campaign theme, “Golden Again: Great Jobs, Great Homes, Great Kids,” reflects Hilton’s commitment to proposing pragmatic solutions rather than succumbing to prevailing ideological battles. According to his campaign, Hilton’s approach embodies “positive populism,” which aims primarily at benefiting working-class families.
Hilton’s entry into the race comes at a time when it is already crowded with notable Democrats, such as former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and former U.S. Representative Katie Porter. Additionally, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, an ally of former President Donald Trump, is the other Republican contender in the race. The dynamics could shift significantly if former Vice President Kamala Harris decides to join the fray.
California’s election system employs a top-two primary format, where all candidates contend for votes on a single ballot, transcending party affiliations. The two candidates with the highest votes will advance to the general election.
Historically, the last Republican to secure a statewide office in California was Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was re-elected to a second gubernatorial term in 2006.
Source
abcnews.go.com