Trump Endorsed
Polling Average
20%15%10%5%0%
15.9%
13.2%
11.7%
11.7%
11.1%
9.1%
California Governor winner?
$34.7M
NOV 4, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Overview
Current rolePolitical commentator
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
GenderMale
LocationCalifornia
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BackgroundPolitical commentator
Notable personal detailsSteve Hilton is a political commentator and strategist who served as director of strategy for UK Prime Minister David Cameron (2010–2012). He hosted Fox News Channel’s weekly program “The Next Revolution with Steve Hilton” from 2017 to 2023. In April 2025, he launched a Republican campaign for Governor of California in the 2026 election cycle.
SourcesShowHide
en.wikipedia.orgstevehiltonforgovernor.comapnews.comtv.cuny.eduhiltonfoundation.orgnbcpalmsprings.comtheorg.comindependent.comaxios.combuilderonline.comspectator.comalmanacnews.comfiles-backend.assets.thrillshare.comkcra.comtheliberaloc.comhjta.orgnewsweek.comdailycallernewsfoundation.orgaol.compolitico.comnewsmax.comkvor.comkboi.comkqed.orgiheart.comkabc.comfoxnews.comeverycitizenarmed.comft.comnypost.comtheguardian.comthecaliforniaconversation.comthe-sun.comlatimes.comcbsnews.comedition-prod-cf.sitemirror.cnn.comwashingtonpost.comcontext-cdn.washingtonpost.comstatic-radio.foxnews.comhiring.miamiherald.comwikidata.orgfec.govvoterguide.ballotpedia.orgcba.ballotpedia.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orges.wikipedia.org
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.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedMay 20, 2026
Steve Hilton is in the news because he is running near the top of the crowded California governor primary and is now polling around 20% to 22%, often just behind Xavier Becerra. The latest polls suggest Hilton is one of the main contenders to advance in California’s top-two system, with analysts saying Republicans may need to consolidate behind him to avoid being shut out of the runoff. The race remains volatile, with a sizable undecided share and other candidates still close enough to affect who finishes in the top two.
en.wikipedia.org+45
Articles
VCVentura County Star10 hours ago
California governor poll shows Hilton, Becerra leading field
Positive
SRSanta Rosa Press Democrat10 hours ago
Steve Hilton, Xavier Becerra continue to lead in new California gubernatorial candidate poll
Positive
NYNew York Post12 hours ago
After giving Chad Bianco a chance, I voted for Steve Hilton
Positive
TGThe Gateway Pundit2 days ago
Dem Infighting Worsens as Fingers Start Pointing in Heated California Governor's Race
Neutral
Polls
California Governor primary: 1st place
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
California Governor primary: 1st place
Endorsers of Steve Hilton for California Governor primary: 1st place
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Fundraising