Steve Hilton announces run for California governor

Former Fox News host Steve Hilton has officially entered California’s gubernatorial race, vowing to “Make California Golden Again” in a campaign targeting the state’s affordability crisis and one-party Democratic rule. The conservative commentator, known for his book Califailure and years on The Next Revolution, positioned himself as a champion for working-class voters disillusioned by rising costs, crime, and homelessness.

Hilton becomes the second major Republican candidate after Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, setting up a GOP primary clash in a state where no Republican has won statewide office since Arnold Schwarzenegger’s re-election. His campaign video directly blames California’s Democratic leadership, comparing the state to “the sick man of America” and featuring images of Gov. Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris.

The British-born strategist, who advised former UK Prime Minister David Cameron before becoming a U.S. citizen, emphasizes deregulation and economic revitalization over culture war issues. But with Democrats dominating California politics, Hilton faces steep odds—unless voter frustration over taxes and public safety shifts the landscape.

Why this matters: The race could test whether California’s Republican minority can capitalize on post-202 electoral gains, including Trump’s expanded county wins. Hilton’s Fox News pedigree may rally conservative donors, but his ability to broaden appeal remains uncertain.