Polling Average
80%60%40%20%0%
33.8%
57.3%
55%
15%
Republican
Trump Endorsed
Trump EndorsedCalifornia Governor winner? (Person)
$49.8M
NOV 4, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Live Odds
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
Steve Hilton is trading at 5% to win the California Governor winner? (Person) on prediction markets.
Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current rolePolitical adviser
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
Age56 years old (Aug 25, 1969)
GenderMale
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LocationCalifornia
BackgroundPolitical adviser
EducationNew College, Oxford (BA)
Notable personal detailsStephen Glenn Charles Hilton is a British-born American conservative political commentator and political adviser who served as Director of Strategy to UK Prime Minister David Cameron (2010–2012). He later worked in U.S. conservative media, including hosting Fox News Channel’s weekly show "The Next Revolution" (2017–2023), and co-founded the political crowdfunding platform Crowdpac. In April 2025, he launched a Republican campaign for Governor of California in the 2026 election.
SourcesShowHide
en.wikipedia.orgstevehiltonforgovernor.comcbsnews.comwikidata.orgcalmatters.orgwww6.twstalker.comen.teknopedia.teknokrat.ac.idkeyt.comtheguardian.comx.comstevehiltonshow.comitv.comuploads.rov.sbcounty.govslocounty.ca.govelections.cdn.sos.ca.govcenteractionfund.orgarxiv.orgnewsweek.comapnews.comdailycallernewsfoundation.orgaol.compolitico.comnewsmax.comkvor.comkboi.comkqed.orgiheart.comkabc.comfoxnews.comeverycitizenarmed.comft.comnypost.comthecaliforniaconversation.comthe-sun.comthehill.combbc.comnytimes.comsacbee.comcapradio.orgnbcnews.comkpbs.orgabc7news.commercurynews.comlatimes.comsfchronicle.comspectrumlocalnews.comabc7.comny1.comnbcbayarea.comyoutube.comfacebook.comlegislation.ballotpedia.orgdata.ballotpedia.orgcdn.ballotpedia.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgvoterguide.ballotpedia.org
Political Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
The candidate proposes large tax cuts including eliminating state income tax for households earning under $100,000 and replacing the current brackets with a 7.5% flat tax on earnings above $100,000, while also calling for major reductions in state spending and significant deregulation to shrink California’s administrative state.
Healthcare
The candidate supports cutting state healthcare spending for noncitizens (ending full Medi‑Cal coverage for undocumented immigrants) and redirecting savings to expand affordability for citizens and legal residents, advocates reforms to Medicaid/mental‑health funding, and emphasizes reducing overall government healthcare spending and wait times. He frames healthcare changes as part of broader spending reductions and affordability initiatives rather than expanding public coverage programs.
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Immigration & Border
Supports stronger immigration enforcement and greater cooperation with federal immigration authorities, criticizes California sanctuary policies, and frames enforcement as necessary to uphold the rule of law and public safety. Emphasizes targeting noncitizens with criminal records and faults state leaders for not enforcing existing laws.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate positions toward restricting abortion access and promoting pro-life policies; he has said he would ‘move us towards life’ as governor and indicated actions to roll back California’s abortion-supportive policies, including allowing extradition of an out-of-state doctor accused in an abortion-related case.
Climate & Energy
The candidate opposes California’s current renewable mandates and climate regulations, proposes repealing the Renewable Portfolio Standard, Low Carbon Fuel Standard, cap-and-trade, and other mandates, and prioritizes affordable, reliable energy including natural gas and nuclear while protecting farmland from utility-scale solar. The campaign frames these policies as driving high energy and gasoline costs and calls for dismantling what it describes as Democrat ‘climate extremism’ in favor of market-driven and affordability-focused energy policy.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate emphasizes strong support for law enforcement and public safety while expressing support for the Second Amendment and the right to self‑defense. He has also written in favor of meaningful gun reforms such as expanded background checks and red flag measures while aiming to protect gun ownership rights.
Latest News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 24, 2026
Steve Hilton is in the news because he has advanced to the November California governor’s race after finishing second in the June primary behind Xavier Becerra. He is now campaigning on issues like housing, taxes, regulation, immigration, and the cost of living, while also attacking California Democrats and presenting himself as a change candidate. In his latest move, he released an AI-generated campaign ad targeting Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris, and other Democrats. The race is shaping up as a high-profile contest over state spending, homelessness, and healthcare funding.
en.wikipedia.org+55
Articles
NYNew York Post16 days ago
Steve Hilton battles Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris in AI ad
Neutral
SRSanta Rosa Press Democrat23 days ago
Becerra, Hilton give preview for reshaped California governor’s race in dueling LA speeches
Neutral
KHKFF Health News1 month ago
In California Governor’s Race, Voters Face Stark Choice on Immigrant Healthcare
Neutral
SRSanta Rosa Press Democrat1 month ago
What’s next for Katie Porter after California governor loss?
Neutral
Latest Polls
Recent polling results and the candidate's current average in the race.
Steve Hilton currently averages 33.8%, ranking third in this race, 21.2 points behind the next candidate.
Polling average: 33.8%Position: thirdMargin: -21.2 ptsLatest poll: 36.0% (Jun 29 - Jul 6)Polls included: 6
Average recalculated from polls through Jun 29 - Jul 6.
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
California Governor primary: 1st place
Endorsers of Steve Hilton for California Governor primary: 1st place
California Republican Party
Elected official
The California Republican Party endorsed Steve Hilton for governor.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Fundraising