Steve Hilton Joins Crowded 2026 California Governor Race

Steve Hilton, a former Fox News commentator and Silicon Valley entrepreneur who became a U.S. citizen in 2021, has entered the 2026 California gubernatorial race as the second high-profile Republican, joining Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. Hilton, previously a senior adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron, is campaigning against what he terms 'years of Democrat failure' and one-party rule in California. He faces a crowded Democratic field, including Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. Hilton, whose prior attempt at a housing reform ballot measure failed to qualify, seeks to rally the state's 25% Republican electorate and appeal to wider concerns over crime, inflation, and cost of living. Despite Republicans' historic challenges in statewide races, Hilton emphasizes restoring opportunity and reversing the state's perceived decline. His campaign draws on his experience as a commentator and tech entrepreneur.